BSW: Western New Mexico University’s Bachelor of Social Work program meets professional licensure standards for the state of Alabama and is nationally accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

MSW: Western New Mexico University’s Master’s of Social Work program meets professional licensure standards for the state of Alabama and is nationally accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Qualifications of Applicants for the Social Work Licensure Exam

You must meet the following requirements:

Must be at least 19 years of age

Must be a United States citizen or, if not a citizen of the United States, a person who is legally present in the United States with appropriate documentation from the federal government

Must ascribe to a professional code of ethics developed and adopted by the board. (Administrative Code 850-X-9 Standards of Professional Conduct & Ethics)

Must meet the following additional requirements for the level at which you are applying to be licensed:

Bachelor Social Worker:

• Has a baccalaureate degree in social work from a college or university approved, accredited, or in candidacy granted by the Council on Social Work Education

• Master Social Worker:

• Has a Master of Social Work or a Doctor of Social Work from a college or university approved, accredited, or in candidacy granted by the Council on Social Work Education.

• Independent Clinical Social Worker:

• Has a Master of Social Work or a Doctor of Social Work from a college or university approved, accredited, or in candidacy granted by the Council on Social Work Education.

• Has had at least two years of post-master or doctorate experience legally practicing social work under the supervision of a licensed clinical social worker.

Has a current active license at the Master level if applying as a candidate for the examination.

Policy Related Questions: 888-879-3672 or info.socialwork@swb.alabama.gov

Application Support: 1-866-353-3468 or support@alabamainteractive.org

BSW: Western New Mexico University’s Bachelor of Social Work program meets professional licensure standards for the state of Alaska and is nationally accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

MSW: Western New Mexico University’s Master’s of Social Work program meets professional licensure standards for the state of Alaska and is nationally accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Alaska Requirements

Sec. 08.95.110. License requirements.

The board shall issue a license to practice clinical social work to a person who:

• has received a master’s degree or a doctoral degree in social work from a college or university, approved by the board;

• has completed, within the 10 years before application for licensure and under the supervision of a licensed social worker, licensed psychologist or licensed psychiatrist either

• a minimum of two years of continuous full-time employment in postgraduate clinical social work; or

• a minimum of 3,000 hours of less than full-time employment in a period of not less than two years in postgraduate social work

• is of good moral character;

• is in good professional standing and is fit to practice social work as determined by the board; (5) has provided three professional references that are acceptable to the board, including, if the applicant

• was previously employed to practice social work, one reference from a person who was the applicant’s employer while practicing social work unless the applicant demonstrates to the satisfaction of the board that the applicant is unable to satisfy the requirement of this subparagraph through no fault of the applicant; and

• is currently employed to practice social work, a reference from the applicant’s current employer;

• has satisfactorily completed the examination given by the board for social worker licensing; and

• has paid required fees.

The board shall issue a license authorizing use of the title, “master social worker” to a person who:

• satisfies the requirements of (a)(1), (3) – (5), and (7) of this section; and

• has satisfactorily completed the examination given by the board for master social worker licensing.

The board shall issue a license authorizing use of the title, “baccalaureate social worker” to a person who:

• satisfies the requirements of (a)(3) – (5) and (7) of this section;

• has received a bachelor’s degree in social work from a college or university approved by the board; and

• has satisfactorily completed the examination given by the board for baccalaureate social worker licensing.

Please review Alaska’s Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing website for additional details about obtaining licensure.

Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
Division of Corporations, Business & Professional Licensing
550 W 7th AVE, STE 1500
Anchorage, AK 99501-3567
Phone: (907) 465-2551

Contact: SocialWorkExaminers@Alaska.Gov

BSW: Western New Mexico University’s Bachelor of Social Work program meets professional licensure standards for the state of Arizona and is nationally accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

MSW: Western New Mexico University’s Master’s of Social Work program meets professional licensure standards for the state of Arizona and is nationally accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Arizona Requirements

32-3291. Licensed baccalaureate social worker; licensure; qualifications; supervision

• A person who wishes to be licensed by the board to engage in the practice of social work as a licensed baccalaureate social worker shall:
  • Furnish documentation as prescribed by the board by rule that the person has earned a baccalaureate degree in social work from a regionally accredited college or university in a program accredited by the council on social work education or a degree from a foreign school based on a program of study that the board determines is substantially
  • Pass an examination approved by the
• A licensed baccalaureate social worker shall only engage in clinical practice under direct supervision as prescribed by the

32-3292. Licensed master social worker; licensure; qualifications; supervision

• A person who wishes to be licensed by the board to engage in the practice of social work as a licensed master social worker shall:
  • Furnish documentation satisfactory to the board that the person has earned a master’s or higher degree in social work from a regionally accredited college or university in a program accredited by the council on social work education or a degree from a foreign school based on a program of study that the board determines is substantially
  • Pass an examination approved by the
• A licensed master social worker shall only engage in clinical practice under direct supervision as prescribed by the board

32-3293. Licensed clinical social worker; licensure; qualifications

• A person who wishes to be licensed by the board to engage in the practice of social work as a licensed clinical social worker shall:

1. Furnish documentation as prescribed by the board by rule that the person has:
   • Earned a master’s or higher degree in social work from a regionally accredited college or university in a program accredited by the council on social work education or a degree from a foreign school based on a program of study that the board determines is substantially
   • Received at least three thousand two hundred hours of post-master’s degree experience in not less than twenty-four months under supervision that meets the requirements prescribed by the board by rule. The three thousand two hundred hours must include at least one thousand six hundred hours of direct client contact, not more than one thousand six hundred hours of indirect client service and at least one hundred hours of clinical supervision as prescribed by the board by rule. For the direct client contact hours, not more than four hundred hours may be in psychoeducation. The board by rule may prescribe the number of hours required for functions related to direct client contact and indirect client service.

1. Pass an examination approved by the board.

Please review Arizona’s Board of Behavioral Health Examiners website for additional details about obtaining licensure.

Board of Behavioral Health Examiners
1740 West Adams Street. #3600
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: (602) 542-1882

Contact: information@azbbhe.us

BSW: Western New Mexico University’s Bachelor of Social Work program meets professional licensure standards for the state of Arkansas and is nationally accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

MSW: Western New Mexico University’s Master’s of Social Work program meets professional licensure standards for the state of Arkansas and is nationally accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Arkansas Requirements

17-103-306. Qualifications — Issuance

The Arkansas Social Work Licensing Board shall issue a Licensed Social Worker license to an applicant who qualifies as follows:

• Has a baccalaureate degree in a social work program from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education or the Canadian Association for Social Work Education, or has received before June 17, 1986, a baccalaureate degree in a social work program from an accredited educational institution;
• Has passed an examination approved by the board for this purpose and level of practice;
• Has applied for a criminal background check and meets the qualifications for issuance of a license under § 17-103-307;
• Has good moral character;
• Is physically and mentally competent to provide social work services with reasonable skill and safety;
• Is not affected by a mental or physical disease or condition that would impair the applicant’s competency to provide social work services;
• Has not pleaded guilty or nolo contendere to or been found guilty of a felony, any crime involving moral turpitude, or criminal offense involving violence, dishonesty, fraud, deceit, breach of client trust, or abuse of the vulnerable;
• Does not use drugs or alcohol to an extent that the use affects the applicant’s professional competency; and
• Has not engaged in fraud or deceit in making the application.

The board shall issue a Licensed Master Social Worker license to an applicant who qualifies as follows:

• Has a master’s degree in social work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education or the Canadian Association for Social Work Education, or has received before June 17, 1986, a master’s degree in a social work program from an accredited educational institution;
• Has passed an examination approved by the board for this purpose and level of practice;
• Has applied for a criminal background check and meets the qualifications for issuance of a license under § 17-103-307;
• Has good moral character;
• Is physically and mentally competent to provide social work services with reasonable skill and safety;
• Is not afflicted by a mental or physical disease or condition that would impair the applicant’s competency to provide social work services;
• Has not pleaded guilty or nolo contendere to or been found guilty of a felony, any crime involving moral turpitude, or criminal offense involving violence, dishonesty, fraud, deceit, breach of client trust, or abuse of the vulnerable;
• Does not use drugs or alcohol to an extent that the use affects the applicant’s professional competency; and
• Has not engaged in fraud or deceit in making the application.

The board shall issue a license as a Licensed Certified Social Worker license to an applicant who qualifies as follows:

• Has a master’s degree in social work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education or the Canadian Association for Social Work Education, or has received before June 17, 1986, a master’s degree in a social work program from an accredited educational institution;
• Has at least twenty-four (24) months of supervised social work experience under a Licensed Certified Social Worker.
  • The supervised social work experience required under subdivision (c)(1)(B)(i) of this section shall include at least four thousand (4,000) hours in a social work position under the supervision of a Licensed Certified Social Worker or a social worker whom the board determines to have qualifications equivalent to those required of a Licensed Certified Social Worker;

• Has passed an examination approved by the board for this purpose and level of practice;
• Has applied for a criminal background check and meets the qualifications for issuance of a license under § 17-103-307;
• Has good moral character;
• Is physically and mentally competent to provide social work services with reasonable skill and safety;
• Is not affected by a mental or physical disease or condition that would impair the applicant’s competency to provide social work services;
• Has not pleaded guilty or nolo contendere to or been found guilty of a felony, any crime involving moral turpitude, or criminal offense involving violence, dishonesty, fraud, deceit, breach of client trust, or abuse of the vulnerable;
• Does not use drugs or alcohol to an extent that the use affects the applicant’s professional competency; and
• Has not engaged in fraud or deceit in making the application.

Please review Arkansas’ Social Work Licensing Board website for additional details about obtaining licensure.
Social Work Licensing Board
Executive Building, Suite 518 2020 West Third
Little Rock, AR 72205

Phone: (501) 372-5071
Contact: awlb@arkansas.gov

BSW: Currently, California does not offer licensure at the Bachelor degree level. Western New Mexico University’s Bachelors of Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

MSW: Western New Mexico University’s Master’s of Social Work program meets ASW registration criteria and is nationally accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Additional coursework may be required for licensure at the LCSW level** (please see below). Western New Mexico University offers many of these courses as electives and as part of the core curriculum, however, training specific to California may be required for out-of-state applicants.

California Requirements

License Requirements

• Master’s degree in Social Work from an accredited school of social work
  • Out-of-State applicants must complete 18-hour course on California Law & Professional Ethics
• Applicants are required to report all misdemeanor and felony convictions with a few minor exceptions
  • Applicants must disclose convictions, even if previously reported to the Board
  • Failure to report is considered falsification of an application, and is grounds for denial
  • Evaluation of the applicant’s criminal history is part of the application process
• Take and Pass the California Law & Ethics Exam
  • Exam must be TAKEN annually to renew ASW Registration
  • Exam must be PASSED to receive or renew a subsequent ASW Registration
• Accrue Supervised Experience
  • All hours in California must be gained while registered
  • 3,200 total supervised hours, over 104 weeks (minimum)
  • Hours must be submitted with the Licensure and Examination Packet
• Take and Pass the ASWB Clinical Exam
• Applicants must request license after passing Clinical Exam.

ASW registrants must provide evidence of completion of a law and ethics course. This course may be taken from a school that holds a CSWE accreditation, a regional or national institutional accreditation recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE), or a school approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE). Western New Mexico University’s Advanced Generalist Practice course meets this requirement.

**MSW students who plan to seek future clinical licensure are required to provide evidence of additional coursework to qualify for clinical licensure:

• For in-state applicants for clinical licensure, these courses include Child Abuse Assessment & Reporting in California (based on California Law); Human Sexuality; Alcoholism and Chemical Substance Abuse & Dependency; Aging, Long Term Care and Elder/Dependent Adult Abuse; and Spousal/Partner Abuse Assessment, Detection, and Intervention. Western New Mexico University provides elective coursework in each of these areas, however the child maltreatment coursework is not specific to California law.
• For out-of-state applicants for clinical licensure, these courses include Suicide Risk Assessment and Intervention; California Law and Ethics; Child Abuse Assessment & Reporting in California (based on California Law); Human Sexuality; Alcoholism and Chemical Substance Abuse & Dependency;  Spousal/Partner Abuse Assessment, Detection, and Intervention; Aging, Long Term Care and Elder/Dependent Adult Abuse; California Cultures and the Social and Psychological Implications of Socioeconomic Position; Western New Mexico University provides coursework in
  • Child Maltreatment (not specific to California law)
  • Human Sexuality
  • Alcoholism and Chemical Substance Abuse & Dependency
  • Spousal/Partner Abuse Assessment, Detection, and Intervention
  • Aging, Long Term Care and Elder/Dependent Adult Abuse
  • Cultural Competence (not specific to California Cultures)

Please review California’s Board of Behavioral Sciences website for information about obtaining licensure.
Board of Behavioral Sciences
1625 N market Blvd S-200
Sacramento, CA 95834
Phone: (916) 574-7830

BSW: Currently, Colorado does not offer licensure at the Bachelor degree level. Western New Mexico University’s Bachelors of Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

MSW: Western New Mexico University’s Master’s of Social Work program meets professional licensure standards for the state of Colorado and is nationally accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Colorado Requirements

Licensed Social Worker (LSW)

You have just graduated with your MSW from a CSWE-approved program and/or still need to complete required post-degree supervised experience. LSW licensure requires:

• Completion and submission of application packet and application processing fee;
• Passage of ASWB Masters (Intermediate), Advanced or Clinical examination (if you take the Advanced or Clinical level exam, it will transfer to LCSW);
• Completion of a Healthcare Professions Profile (HPPP); and
• Passage of the Colorado Mental Health Professions online Jurisprudence

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

You have completed all post-degree supervised experience and wish to be licensed at a clinical, independent level. LCSW licensure requires:

• Completion and submission of application packet and application processing fee;
• Passage of ASWB Advanced or Clinical examination;
• Completion and documentation of 3,360 hours of experience over a minimum of 24 months; to include 96 hours of supervision, 48 hours of which must be face-to-face individual supervision, distributed evenly over 24 months;
• Completion of a Healthcare Professions Profile (HPPP); and
• Passage of the current Colorado Mental Health Professions online Jurisprudence Examination.

Please review Colorado’s Department of Regulatory Agencies website for information about obtaining licensure.

State Board of Social Work Examiners
1560 Broadway, Suite 1350
Denver, CO 80202

Phone: (303) 894-7800
Contact: dora_mentalhealthboard@state.co.us

BSW: Currently, Connecticut does not offer licensure at the Bachelor degree level. Western New Mexico University’s Bachelors of Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

MSW: Western New Mexico University’s Master’s of Social Work program meets professional licensure standards for the state of Connecticut and is nationally accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Connecticut Requirements

Master’s Level Social Work Licensing Requirements

In order to qualify for examination, an applicant must meet the eligibility requirements outlined below:

• Hold a master’s degree from a social work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education or, if educated outside the United States or its territories, have completed an educational program deemed equivalent by the council; and

• Pass the Association of Social Work Boards’ (ASWB) master’s level examination.

Please note that passage of the master’s level social worker examination administered by ASWB is suspended until January 1, 2026.  IF you are a student in the last semester of your MSW program AND YOU WANT TO BE APPROVED FOR EXAM, please read the following:

A student in their last semester of an MSW degree program may apply to sit for the master’s level examination prior to graduation.  To be approved, the student must be an applicant for a Connecticut master’s level social worker license by submitting the required application online, pay the $125 application fee and indicate that they are in their last semester of the MSW program.  There is a question on the application that the applicant will answer indicating that the applicant is a student.

When an application is received, DPH will review it and notify ASWB that the applicant is eligible for examination.  The applicant will receive an email from DPH with further instructions on how and when to register for the examination.  Applicants should not attempt to register for the examination until receiving authorization from DPH.

Applications are only accepted online.  Please select this link to apply online.  After you create your account and verify your email address, please select ‘Initial Application’ under ‘More Online Services’, expand the ‘Public Health Practitioners’ grouping and then select ‘Start’ next to the ‘MASTER’S LEVEL SOCIAL WORKER’ license type.

Please note that a MSW license will not be issued until an applicant passes the examination and a transcript indicating that a degree was awarded by the MSW program is on file at DPH.

LCSW Licensing Requirements

• Hold a master’s or doctorate degree from a social work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE);

• Successfully completed three thousand (3000) hours of post-master’s social work experience including not less than one hundred (100) hours of work experience under professional supervision by a licensed clinical or certified independent social worker;

• Successfully completed the Clinical Level Examination of the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB).

Please review Connecticut’s Department of Public Health website for information about obtaining licensure.
Connecticut Department of Public Health
Social Work Licensure
410 capitol Ave, MS #12 APP
P.O. Box 340308 Hartford, CT 06134

Phone: (860) 509-7603
Contact: dph.counselorsteam@ct.gov

BSW: Western New Mexico University’s Bachelor of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of Delaware and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

MSW: Western New Mexico University’s Master’s of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of Delaware and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Delaware Requirements

Licensure Requirements for All Applicants

Applications are processed in DELPROS (Delaware Professional Regulation Online Services). In addition to submitting the application and fee in DELPROS, you must submit:

• A State of Delaware and Federal Bureau of Investigation criminal background check (CBC). Follow the instructions on the Criminal History Record Check Authorization form to arrange to be fingerprinted. Submit both the form and payment to the State Bureau of Identification (SBI). Do not send these forms to the Board office.

• • Allow at least four weeks for the SBI to send criminal history records to the Board office.
  • A new criminal background check is required even if the person recently had a criminal background check done for some other reason.
• A completed and signed Child Protection Registry Consent Form, following the instructions on the form.
• State/Jurisdiction Licensure Verification(s) sent directly to the Board office from each state or jurisdiction in which you currently hold or have ever held a license.

Additional Requirements for Examination Applicants

In addition to submitting the application, fee, and supporting documentation required in the previous section in DELPROS, you must also submit:

• U.S. Educated : An official transcript of your completed degree sent directly to the Board office from your college or university. The college or university must be accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) (www.cswe.org/Accreditation).
  • For the Masters of Social Work, the transcript must clearly show a master’s degree in social work.
  • For the Bachelors Social Work, the transcript must clearly show a baccalaureate degree in social work.

• An official ASWB exam score report from ASWB if you have already passed the exam. To request the score report, see Score Transfer on the ASWB web site.
• If you need to take the ASWB examination, you must register online with ASWB, see ASWB Registration Information.

• For information about the examination, the Candidate Handbook is available on the ASWB web site. The Board office does not provide Candidate Handbooks.
• The Board determines whether you are eligible to take the examination based on your education.
  • If you are eligible to take the examination, the Board office will notify ASWB. When ASWB receives both the Board’s approval and your registration and payment, ASWB will then send you instructions on how to schedule the exam.
  • If you are not eligible to take the examination, the Board office will send you an explanation notice.
• ASWB will send the results of the examination to the Board office. If you passed, the Board office will issue your license. If you failed, you must re-register with ASWB to re-take the examination.
• You have two years from the date of your application to pass the exam. If you have not passed the exam when the two years end, you must reapply.

• The applicant shall have obtained the passing score, in no more than six attempts, on the national clinical examination approved by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB), or other examination acceptable to the Board. The Board shall accept the passing grade as determined by the ASWB. After six failed attempts to pass the examination, the applicant may petition the Board in writing, and appear before the Board, to request permission to take the examination one final time. The Board may grant this request upon good cause shown.
• A master’s or baccalaureate social work student may take the examination up to 45 days prior to graduation.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

• Submit completed, signed and notarized Application for Licensure as a Clinical Social Worker.
  • The application must clearly show the number of your post-MSW degree clinical social work
  • Your clinical experience must consist of at least 3,200
• Enclose the non-refundable processing fee by check or money order payable to the “State of ”
• Complete the Criminal History Record Check Authorization to request State of Delaware and Federal Bureau of Investigation criminal background checks. Follow the instructions on the form to arrange to be
• Arrange for your supervisor to complete and sign the Supervisory Reference Form included with the application. Your supervisor must send it directly to the Board office.
• The form must document at least 1,600 hours under professional supervision acceptable to the Board.
• The supervisor(s) must be a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), master’s level degree social worker (MSW), licensed psychologist, or a licensed psychiatrist.
• If no LCSW is (or was) available to supervise you, complete and submit a Documentation of Attempts to Secure LCSW Supervision form, included with the application (Section 4.1.1 of the Board’s Rules and Regulations).
• If you have ever held a social work license in another jurisdiction (state, U.S. territory or D.C.), arrange for the Board office to receive verification of licensure from each jurisdiction where you have held a license, sent directly from the jurisdiction to the Board office.
• Arrange for your college or university to send an official transcript of your completed Masters degree directly to the Board office. The college or university must be accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (cswe.org).
• If you have already passed the ASWB exam, arrange for the Board office to receive a certified score report, sent directly from ASWB to the Board office. To request the score report, see Score Transfer on the ASWB web
• If you have not passed the ASWB examination, the Board office will notify you when you are approved to take the exam.

Please review Delaware’s Division of Professional Regulation website for additional details about obtaining licensure.
Board of Clinical Social Work Examiners
Cannon Building, Suite 203
861 Silver Lake Blvd.
Dover, DE 19904

Phone: (302) 744-4500
Contact: customerservice.dpr@state.de.us

BSW: Western New Mexico University’s Bachelor of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the District of Columbia and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

MSW: Western New Mexico University’s Master’s of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the District of Columbia and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

District of Columbia Requirements

General requirements

• All applicants for a license to practice social work in the District of Columbia shall meet the following requirements:
  • Applicant must be at least 18 years of age; and
  • Applicant must not have been convicted of a crime of moral turpitude, which bears directly on the applicant’s fitness to be
  • The following support materials must be submitted with each application:
    • A complete, signed application
    • Two (2) identical, original recent passport size photographs (2×2 inches in size) on a plain background, which are front-view and fade-proof. Write on the back of the photos your full name and either your license number or Social Security Number.
    • One (1) clear photocopy of a government issued photo ID, such as your valid driver’s license, as proof of identity.
    • Three (3) character references in sealed envelopes. A minimum of two of these references must be completed by working
    • An official passing exam score report for the level of the
    • The license application fee of $230.
    • An official transcript from the educational institution from which the applicant graduated is required for applicants by EXAMINATION. Only the transcript appropriate to the level of the application is required. This is not required for applicants by
  • LICSW and LISW applicants by Examination must include the following materials with their application (not applicable for applicants by Endorsement):
    • Completed Experience Evaluation Forms for only applicants by Examination. This is not required for applicants by Endorsement.
    • Completed Supervision Verification Forms, which document all practice under general supervision and one-on-one immediate supervision. The period of verified supervision should be for not less than two (2) years, and not more than four (4) years. These forms are to be completed by licensed supervisors and returned to the applicant in sealed envelopes and submitted with the application for applicants by Examination.

Examination requirements

You must first apply for a Social Work License by Examination in the District of Columbia and be approved to take the National Exam for the District. After you are approved to sit for  the examination, you must contact ASWB at 888-579-3926 for information concerning exam and exam reservations. If you have taken your examination outside of the District of Columbia, you will have to transfer your scores to the District. See section 6C of the New License Application for Social Workers for information on how to request the score transfer. Even if you request a score transfer, you should include a copy of your score report with the application.

1. To qualify for a license, an applicant must receive a score of 75 on the appropriate level of the American Association of State Social Workers Boards (ASWB) examination. The levels are identified
   • Bachelors, formerly known as Basic Examination for the LSWA
   • Masters, formerly know as Intermediate Examination for the LGSW license
   • Advanced Generalist Test, formerly known as Advanced Examination for the LISW license
   • Clinical Examination for the LICSW license
2. Applicants who pass the ASWB examination within 5 years of the date of the application will not be required to retake the examination. Applicants who pass the examination more than 5 years prior to the date the application is submitted will not be required to retake the examination if it can be demonstrated (to the satisfaction of the Board) that the applicant has been continuously licensed and practicing as a social worker in the United States since the date of the examination.

Education/experience requirements for all applicants educated in the united states

1. All applicants shall furnish proof satisfactory to the Board that the applicant has successfully completed the following education and experience requirements:

Note: Educational Experience must be obtained at an institution with a social work program approved by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). These are identified in the AASSWB Candidate Handbook.

100 hours must be immediate supervision by a Licensed Independent Social Worker. People who work in the District of Columbia and submit LISW applications must be licensed for two (2)  years at the lower level. People applying from another jurisdiction must have licensed experience under a licensed individual at a level equivalent to or above the level for which they are applying. The period of appropriate supervision must be for not less than 2 years licensure or more than 4 years.

100 hours must be immediate supervision by a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. People who work in the District of Columbia and submit LICSW applications must be licensed for two (2) years at the lower level. In addition to these requirements, applicants for licensure in this category must have completed 3000 hours of post masters or post doctoral work experience participating in the diagnosis and treatment of individuals, families and/or groups with psychosocial problems under general supervision (100 hours) of a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. People applying from another jurisdiction must have experience under a licensed individual at a level equivalent to or above the level for which they are applying. The period of appropriate supervision must be for not less than 2 years licensure or more than 4 years.

Please review the District of Columbia’s DC Health Website for additional details about obtaining licensure.

899 North Capitol Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002
Phone: (202) 442-5955
Fax: (202) 442-4795
TTY: 711

Contact: mavis.azariah@dc.gov

BSW: Currently, Florida does not offer licensure at the Bachelor degree level. Western New Mexico University’s Bachelors of Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

MSW: Western New Mexico University’s Master’s of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of Florida and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

To be licensed as a Certified Master Social Worker in Florida you must have:

• OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT: A master’s degree in social work from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited school of social work. Ensure your program is accredited by visiting https://cswe.org. Transcripts must be sent in the official sealed envelope from the university or they will not be considered official.
• COURSEWORK: Completed 3 semester hours of graduate level coursework in the following content areas: (1) agency administration and supervision; (2) program planning and evaluation; (3) staff development; (4) research; (5) community organization; (6) community services; (7) social planning and (8) human services advocacy
• EXPERIENCE: Completed 3 years of experience in the field of social work, 2 years of which must have been at the post-master’s level under the supervision of a person who meets the education and experience requirements for certification as a certified master social worker or as a clinical social worker under Chapter 491, F.S.
• EXAM: Passed the national Advanced Generalist level examination developed by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB).

To become a registered clinical social work intern in Florida you must have:

• OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT: A master’s degree in social work from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited school of social work. Ensure your program is accredited by visiting https://cswe.org/. Transcripts must be sent in the official sealed envelope from the university or they will not be considered official.
• COURSEWORK: Completed 24 semester hours or 32 quarter hours in theory of human behavior and practice methods as courses in clinically oriented services, including a minimum of one course in psychopathology. Courses not considered to be clinically oriented are: policy, administration, organization and communities. Complete the Education Worksheet for clinical social work to determine if you have satisfied the coursework requirements for licensure.
  NOTE: You may become a registered intern having met 15 semester or 22 quarter hours of the required coursework.  The remaining courses must be met prior to obtaining exam approval and licensure.
• PRACTICUM: A supervised field placement that was part of the applicant’s master’s program, during which the applicant provided clinical services directly to clients. An official of the school (Dean, Department Chair) that awarded your graduate degree must provide a letter on university letterhead verifying that the supervised practicum, internship, or field experience was completed. Please review the specific requirements on the Education Worksheet for clinical social work.
• ADVANCED STANDING LETTER: If you are an advanced standing student, you may need to request an advanced standing letter from the school of social work listing the courses completed at the bachelor’s level that were not required at the master’s level. Review the Education Worksheet for clinical social work to determine if the coursework requirements for licensure have been satisfied. The letter must include the course title and number of credit hours completed.
• QUALIFIED SUPERVISOR: Applicants must obtain a letter from a Board approved qualified supervisor and submit to the Board Office. The letter may be sent by mail or electronic mail. To submit via electronic mail, click here. The correspondence must originate from the supervisor, include the supervisor’s license number and the applicant’s name as it appears on the application, and state that the supervisor has agreed to provide the applicant with supervision while a registered intern. NOTE: Your registered intern number will not be issued until the Board has received this information.

To be licensed as a Clinical Social Worker in Florida you must have the documents listed below. Endorsement applicants only need items 6 through 10.

• OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT: A master’s degree in social work from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited school of social work. Ensure your program is accredited by visiting https://cswe.org. Transcripts must be sent in the official sealed envelope from the university or they will not be considered official.

NOTE: Transcripts must be sent in a sealed envelope from the university or they will not be considered official. A degree conferred date must be listed on the transcript. This is the only document that CANNOT be uploaded in your online account. Official transcripts may be mailed to:

Florida Department of Health
Board of CSW, MFT, and MHC
4052 Bald Cypress Way
Bin C-08
Tallahassee, FL 32399-3258

Electronic Transcripts may be sent through a secure parchment service directly to MQA.491@flhealth.gov. Please check with your university to see if this service is available.

• COURSEWORK: Completed 24 semester hours or 32 quarter hours in theory of human behavior and practice methods as courses in clinically oriented services, including a minimum of one course in psychopathology. Courses not considered to be clinically oriented are: policy, administration, organization and communities. Complete the Education Worksheet for clinical social work to determine if you have satisfied the coursework requirements for licensure.
• PRACTICUM: A supervised field placement that was part of the applicant’s master’s program, during which the applicant provided clinical services directly to clients. An official of the school (Dean, Department Chair) that awarded your graduate degree must provide a letter on university letterhead verifying that the supervised practicum, internship, or field experience was completed. Please review the specific requirements on the Education Worksheet for clinical social work.
• ADVANCED STANDING LETTER: If you are an advanced standing student, you may need to request an advanced standing letter from the school of social work listing the courses completed at the bachelor’s level that were not required at the master’s level. Review the Education Worksheet for clinical social work to determine if the coursework requirements for licensure have been satisfied. The letter must include the course title and number of credit hours completed.
• SUPERVISED EXPERIENCE: Two (2) years of post-master’s supervised experience under the supervision of a licensed clinical social worker. These hours must be documented on the Verification of Clinical Experience Form or they will not count towards licensure. The supervision experience must have consisted of:
• At least 100 hours of supervision in no less than 100 weeks;
• 1,500 hours of face-to-face psychotherapy with clients; and,
• 1 hour of supervision every two weeks

NOTE: Please see Rule 64B4-2.002, F.A.C. for information regarding group supervision and supervision by electronic methods.

• LICENSE VERIFICATION: This form is required for applicants who hold or have ever held a license in another state, U.S. territory, or foreign country. Please have the office that issued the license or certification complete the Florida Certification/License Verification Form. A license verification is required for all endorsement applicants. The document must show your license type, issue dated, current status and discipline history.
• EXAM: Passed the national clinical level examination developed by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). For information about the exam required, click here.
• LAWS & RULES COURSE: Completed an 8-hour Florida laws and rules course from a board approved provider listed on CE Broker.
• HIV/AIDS COURSE: Completed a 3-hour HIV/AIDS course listed on CE Brokeror complete the HIV/AIDs Affidavit.
• DOMESTIC VIOLENCE COURSE: Completed a 2-hour domestic violence course from a board approved provider listed on CE Broker within six months of licensure. The certificate of completion is retained with your records. Do not submit to the Board Office with your application.

Please review  Florida’s Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling website for information about obtaining licensure.
Department of Health
Board of Mental Health Professions
4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin C-08 Tallahassee, FL 32399-3258
Phone: (850) 488-0595

BSW: Currently, Georgia does not offer licensure at the Bachelor degree level. Western New Mexico University’s Bachelors of Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

MSW: Western New Mexico University’s Master’s of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of Georgia and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Georgia Requirements

• A-12. Requirements for licensure in social work

The education, experience, and training requirements for licensure in social work are as follows:

• For licensure as a master’s social worker, a master’s degree in social work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education; and

For licensure as a clinical social worker:

• A master’s degree in social work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education; and
• As defined by the board, three years’ full-time supervised experience in the practice of social work following granting of the master’s degree. Of the three years of supervised experience, only the first two must be under direction. A doctoral degree in a specialty, an allied profession, or child and family development may substitute for one year of such experience. At least one year of experience shall have occurred within two years immediately preceding application for licensure as a clinical social worker or the applicant shall have met the continuing education requirement established by the board for clinical social work during the year immediately preceding

Please review Georgia’s Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists website for information about obtaining licensure.
The Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers and Marriage &
Family Therapists
237 Coliseum Drive
Macon, Georgia 31217
Phone: (844) 753-7825

BSW: Western New Mexico University’s Bachelor of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of Hawaii and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

MSW: Western New Mexico University’s Master’s of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of Hawaii and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Hawaii Requirements

• 467E-7 Licensing requirements

Every applicant for a license as a social worker shall submit evidence satisfactory to the director that the applicant meets the following requirements:

For the licensed bachelor social worker, the applicant:

• Holds a bachelor’s degree from a college or university in a social work program accredited by or deemed to be equivalent to a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education; and
• Has passed the basic level national examination given by the Association of Social Work Boards;

For the licensed social worker, the applicant:

• Holds a master’s degree from a college or university in a social work program accredited by or deemed to be equivalent to an accredited program by the Council on Social Work Education or a doctoral degree from a doctoral degree program in social work accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges or a comparable regional accreditation body; and
• Has passed the intermediate or higher level national examination given by the Association of Social Work Boards; and

For the licensed clinical social worker, the applicant:

• Has met the educational requirements in paragraph (2);
• Has passed the clinical level national examination given by the Association of Social Work Boards;
• Has provided evidence of successful completion of at least three thousand hours of post masters clinical social work experience under supervision completed within no fewer than two years, but within no more than five years. Clinical social work experience shall include a minimum of two thousand hours of assessment, clinical diagnosis, and psychotherapy; no more than a maximum of nine hundred hours of client-centered advocacy, consultation, and evaluation; and at least one hundred hours of supervision as follows:
  • At least sixty of the one hundred hours of direct face-to-face supervision shall have been individualized supervision; and
  • Not more than forty hours of direct face-to-face supervision may have been under small group (up to six supervisees) supervision. An applicant who submits evidence of certification as a qualified clinical social worker or diplomate in clinical social work by the National Association of Social Workers or as a board certified diplomate by the American Board of Examiners shall be deemed to have satisfied the experience requirements of this subparagraph;

Please review Hawaii’s Professional and Vocational Licensing Division website for additional details about obtaining licensure.
Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Professional & Vocational Licensing
King Kalakaua Building
335 Merchant Street, Rm. 301
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813

Phone: (808) 586-3000
Contact: pvl@dcca.hawaii.gov

BSW: Western New Mexico University’s Bachelor of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of Idaho and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

MSW: Western New Mexico University’s Master’s of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of Idaho and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Idaho Requirements

54-3206. LICENSING — QUALIFICATIONS

The board shall issue licenses to qualified applicants who have passed an examination conducted or approved by the board, are of good moral character and meet one (1) of the following:

• For a clinical social worker license possess a master’s degree or doctorate in social work and two (2) years of postgraduate supervised clinical experience approved by the board;
• For a master’s social worker license possess a master’s degree or doctorate in social work from a college or university approved by the board; or
• For a social worker license possess a baccalaureate degree in social work from a college or university approved by the board.

Please review Idaho’s Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses website for additional details about obtaining licensure.
Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses
700 West State Street
Boise, ID 83702
Phone: (208) 334-3233
Contact: ibol@ibol.idaho.gov

BSW: Western New Mexico University’s Bachelor of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of Illinois and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.   Please note Illinois currently requires Bachelor’s graduates to have three years of supervised professional experience.

MSW: Western New Mexico University’s Master’s of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of Illinois and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Illinois Requirements

Section 1470.10 Application for Licensure

Each applicant seeking original licensure under Section 7 of the Act shall file an application, with the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation-Division of Professional Regulation (Division), on forms provided by the Division. The application shall include:

For a Licensed Social Worker:

• certification of graduation from a master’s degree program of social work approved by the Division in accordance with Section 1470.30; or

• certification of graduation from a baccalaureate degree program of social work approved by the Division in accordance with Section 1470.30 and verification of completion of 3 years of supervised professional experience in accordance with Section 20;
• the required fee set forth in Section 55.

For a Licensed Clinical Social Worker:

• certification of graduation from a master’s degree program in social work approved by the Division in accordance with Section 1470.30 and verification of completion of 3000 hours of satisfactory supervised clinical professional experience as set forth in Section 1470.20; or

• certification of graduation from a doctorate degree program in social work approved by the Division in accordance with Section 1470.30 and verification of completion of 2000 hours of satisfactory supervised clinical professional experience as set forth in Section 20;

• proof of successful completion of the examination set forth in Section 1470.70 (The examination scores shall be submitted to the Division directly from the reporting );

• the required fee set forth in Section 55.
• LCSW Exam Alternative

IL P.A. 103-433  Illinois Public Act 103-433, effective January 1, 2024, establishes an alternative to passing the licensing examination in order to become licensed as a licensed clinical social worker (225 ILCS 20/8.2).

The law requires at least one attempt to pass the required licensure examination, and 3000 hours of supervised PROFESSIONAL experience.   Supervised PROFESSIONAL experience may consist of social services to individuals, groups or communities in any one or more of the fields of social casework, social group work, community organization for social welfare, social work research, social welfare administration, school social work, or social work education. Supervised professional experience may also include supervised clinical social work as described in Section 1470.20.   The 3000 exam alternative hours are in addition to the 3000 hours of CLINICAL experience required by Rules 68 IAC Section 1470.20.

Please review Illinois’ Social Work website for additional details about obtaining licensure.
Department of Financial & Professional Regulation
100 West Randolph, 9th Floor Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: (888) 473-4538

BSW: Western New Mexico University’s Bachelor of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of Indiana and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

MSW: Western New Mexico University’s Master’s of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of Indiana and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

839 I Application by examination

Authority: IC 25-23.6-2-8

Affected: IC 25-23.6

Sec. 1. (a) An applicant for licensure as a social worker, clinical social worker, marriage and family therapist, marriage and family therapist associate, addiction counselor, clinical addiction counselor, mental health counselor, or mental health counselor associate shall:

1. make application in writing on forms provided by the board; and
2. furnish satisfactory evidence to the board that the qualifying requirements have been met as provided for in the state licensing statutes and 839 IAC 1-3 through 839 IAC 1-5.5.
3. Applicants for licensure as a social worker shall be required to pass the intermediate level of the national examination as provided by the Association of Social Work
4. Applicants for licensure as a clinical social worker shall be required to pass the clinical level of the national examination Indiana Administrative Code Page 3

Rule 3. Social Workers; Clinical Social Workers

839 IAC 1-3-1 Educational institution requirements for social worker’s licensure

Authority: IC 25-23.6-2-8

Affected: IC 25-23.6-5-1

Sec. 1. “Institution of higher education approved by the board”, as used in IC 25-23.6-5-1, means an institution of higher education that has a program that is accredited or approved for candidacy by the Council on Social Work Education at the time the applicant was granted the degree. For an applicant whose degree was granted prior to June 30, 1995, the term also includes a non-accredited program in social work or clinical social work from an institution of higher education.

839 IAC 1-3-2 Licensure by examination for social workers and clinical social workers

Authority: IC 25-23.6-2-8

Affected: IC 25-22.5; IC 25-23.6-5-1; IC 25-23.6-5-3.5; IC 25-33

Sec. 2. (a) An applicant for licensure as a social worker or clinical social worker shall pass an examination required by the board.

• As used in IC 25-23.6-5-1 and IC 25-23.6-5-3.5, “experience” means full-time paid experience of at least one thousand five hundred (1,500) hours per Part-time experience will be considered if the applicant can verify a total of four thousand five hundred (4,500) hours, three thousand (3,000) hours of which must take place after receiving the graduate degree.
• As used in IC 25-23.6-5-1 and IC 25-23.6-5-3.5, supervision must be face-to-face contact between the supervisor and supervisee for the purpose of assisting the supervisee in the process of learning the skills of social work or clinical social work practice for a minimum of four (4) hours per
• Experience, as that term is used in IC 25-23.6-5-1 and IC 25-23.6-5-3.5, shall be earned as an employee in one (1) of the following settings:
  • Social service agencies
  • Schools
  • Institutions of higher education
  • Hospitals
  • Private practice
  • Mental health centers
  • Correctional institutions
  • Home health agencies
  • Long term health care facilities
  • Employee assistance programs

Please review Indiana’s Professional Licensing Agency website for additional details about obtaining licensure.

Indiana Professional Licensing Agency
302 W Washington Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (317) 232-2980

BSW: Western New Mexico University’s Bachelor of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of Iowa and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

MSW: Western New Mexico University’s Master’s of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of Iowa and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Iowa Requirements

645—280.3(154C) Requirements for licensure.

The following criteria shall apply to licensure:

• The applicant shall complete a board-approved application. Application forms may be obtained from the board’s website (www.idph.iowa.gov/licensure) or directly from the board office, or the applicant may complete the application online at ibplicense.iowa.gov. All paper applications shall be sent to Board of Social Work, Professional Licensure Division, Fifth Floor, Lucas State Office Building, Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0075.
• The applicant shall complete the application form according to the instructions contained in the application. If the application is not completed according to the instructions, the application will not be reviewed by the
• Each application shall be accompanied by the appropriate fees payable by check or money order to the Board of Social Work. The fees are
• No application shall be considered by the board until official copies of academic transcripts have been received by the board except as provided in 4(6).
• The applicant shall provide verification of license(s) from every state in which the applicant has been licensed as a social worker, sent directly from the state(s) to the Iowa board of social work
• The candidate shall take the examination(s) required by the board pursuant to these
• An applicant for a license as an independent social worker shall have met the requirements for supervision pursuant to 645—280.6(154C). 2
• Each social worker who seeks to attain licensure as an independent social worker shall have been granted a master’s or doctoral degree in social work and practiced at that
• Notification of licensure shall be sent to the licensee by regular
• Licensees who were issued their initial licenses within six months prior to the renewal shall not be required to renew their licenses until the renewal date two years later.

645—280.5(154C) Educational qualifications.

280.5(1) Bachelor level social worker. An applicant for a license as a bachelor level social worker shall present evidence satisfactory to the board that the applicant possesses a bachelor’s degree in social work from a college or university accredited by the Council on Social Work Education at the time of graduation.

280.5(2) Master level social worker. An applicant for a license as a master level social worker shall present evidence satisfactory to the board that the applicant:

• Possesses a master’s degree in social work from a college or university accredited by the Council on Social Work Education at the time of graduation; or
• Possesses a doctoral degree in social work from a college or university approved by the board at the time of graduation.

280.5(3) Independent level social worker. An applicant for a license as an independent level social worker shall present evidence satisfactory to the board that the applicant:

1. Possesses a master’s degree in social work from a college or university accredited by the Council on Social Work Education at the time of graduation; or
2. Possesses a doctoral degree in social work from a college or university approved by the board at the time of graduation.

Please review Iowa’s Board of Social Work website for additional details about obtaining licensure.
Bureau of Professional Licensure
Iowa Department of Public Health Lucas State Office Building, 5th  Floor 321 East 12th  Street
Des Moines, IA 50319-0075
Phone: (515) 281-1254

BSW: Western New Mexico University’s Bachelor of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of Kansas and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

MSW: Western New Mexico University’s Master’s of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of Kansas and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Kansas Requirements

Bachelor’s Licensing requirements

• Bachelors degree in Social Work from a CSWE accredited program or meets the requirements of K.A.R. 102-2-6
• References completed on Board provided forms from at least 2 social workers licensed at or above the Bachelors level, and a third reference from an on-site practicum supervisor (merits public trust)
• Transcript showing degree granted
• Passing the Bachelors Level competency exam The ASWB exam is offered daily once registered with the BSRB.

Licensed Master of Social Work requirements

• Masters degree In Social Work from an CSWE accredited program or meets the requirements of K.A.R. 102-2-6

• References completed on Board provided forms from at least 2 social workers licensed at or above the Masters level, and a third reference from an on-site practicum supervisor (merits public trust)

• Transcript showing degree granted
• Passing the Masters Level competency exam The ASWB exam is offered daily once registered with the BSRB.

Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker requirements

• Masters degree in Social Work

• References completed on Board provided forms from at least 2 social workers licensed at or above the Clinical level, and a third reference from a work supervisor (merits public trust)

• Transcript showing degree granted

• 3,000 hours of post-graduate supervised clinical work experience in a clinical setting with supervisor’s attestation.

• Passing the ASWB Clinical examination. The ASWB exam is offered daily once registered with the BSRB.

Please review Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board for additional details about obtaining licensure.https://www.ksbsrb.ks.gov/about-us/contact-ksbsrb

Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board
Eisenhower State Office Building
700 S.W. Harrison St, Ste 420
Topeka, KS 66603-3817

Phone: 785-296-3240
Fax: 785-296-3112
Email: bsrb@ks.gov

BSW: Western New Mexico University’s Bachelor of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of Kentucky and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

MSW: Western New Mexico University’s Master’s of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of Kentucky and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Kentucky Requirements

License, certified social worker – Requirements

The board shall issue a license as “certified social worker” to an applicant who meets the following requirements:

• Is at least eighteen (18) years of age;
• Is a person of good moral character;
• Has received a master’s degree or doctorate degree in social work from an educational institution approved by the board;
• Has paid to the board an examination fee established by the board by promulgation of an administrative regulation;
• Has passed an examination prepared by the board;
• Has not within the preceding three (3) months failed to pass an examination given by the board; and
• Has paid an initial license fee established by the board by promulgation of an administrative

License, licensed social worker – Requirements

The board shall issue a license as “licensed social worker” to an applicant who meets the following requirements:

• Is at least eighteen (18) years of age;
• Is a person of good moral character;
• Has received a baccalaureate degree in a social work or social welfare program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education; or Has received a baccalaureate degree and has completed courses equivalent to a social work or social welfare program as determined by the board;
• Has paid to the board an examination fee established by the board by promulgation of an administrative regulation;
• Has passed an examination prepared by the board;
• Has not within the preceding three (3) months failed to pass an examination given by the board; and
• Has paid an initial license fee established by the board by promulgation of an administrative

335.100 License, licensed clinical social worker – Requirements

The board shall issue a license as “licensed clinical social worker” to an applicant

who meets the following requirements:

• Has received a master’s degree or doctoral degree in social work from an educational institution approved by the board;
• Has had a minimum of two (2) years of full time post-master’s experience, consisting of at least thirty (30) hours per week, or three (3) years of part time, consisting of at least twenty (20) hours per week, post-master’s degree experience acceptable to the board in the use of specialty methods and measures to be employed in clinical social work practice, the experience having been acquired under appropriate supervision as established by the board by promulgation of an administrative regulation;
• Has paid to the board an examination fee established by the board by promulgation of an administrative regulation;
• Has passed an examination prepared by the board for this purpose;
• Has not within the preceding three (3) months failed to pass an examination given by the board; and
• Has paid an initial license fee established by the board by promulgation of an administrative regulation

Please review Kentucky’s Board of Social Work website for additional details about obtaining licensure.
Kentucky Board of Social Work
125 Holmes Street, Suite 310
Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone: (502) 564-2350

BSW: Western New Mexico University’s Bachelor of Social Work program meets professional licensure standards for the state of Louisiana and is nationally accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

MSW: Western New Mexico University’s Master’s of Social Work program meets professional licensure standards for the state of Louisiana and is nationally accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Registered social Worker

1. No individual shall be eligible for registration by the board as a registered social worker unless the individual:

(1) Is of good moral character and whose screening for criminal history pursuant to R.S. 37:2710 contains no disqualifying information.

(2) Holds either a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree from an accredited social work program.

1. An individual registered as a registered social worker may engage in generalist social work practice based on the application of social work theory, knowledge, ethics, and utilizing problem-solving methods to restore or enhance social functioning of individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities through assessment, prevention, and intervention and evaluation, case management, information and referral, supportive counseling, advocacy, research, supervision, community organization, education, and the implementation and administration of policies, programs, and activities. A social worker at this level shall work as an employee in an agency and shall not engage in advanced practice or in clinical social work.

Qualifications; licensed master’s social worker 

1. No individual shall be eligible for licensure by the board as a licensed master’s social worker unless the individual:

(1)  Is of good moral character and whose screening for criminal history pursuant to R.S. 37:2710 contains no disqualifying information.

(2) Holds a master’s degree from an accredited graduate school of social work.

(3) Has passed an examination approved by the board.

1. An individual licensed as a licensed master’s social worker may engage in advanced social work practice based on the application of social work theory, knowledge, ethics, and methods to restore or enhance social, psychosocial, or biopsychosocial functioning of individuals, couples, families, groups, organizations, and communities.  The licensed master’s social worker’s practice requires the application of specialized knowledge and advanced practice skills which include prevention or intervention, or both, service or treatment planning and evaluation, case management, information and referral, counseling, employee assistance services, addiction services, advocacy, teaching, research, supervision, consultation, community organization, and the development, implementation, and administration of policies, programs, and activities.  A social worker licensed at the licensed master’s social worker level may practice clinical social work and psychotherapy within an agency under the supervision of a licensed clinical social worker.  A licensed master’s social worker may work as an employee only in an agency setting.  Notwithstanding the definition of “agency” as defined in R.S. 37:2703(1) or the requirement for employment in an agency setting provided in this Subsection, a licensed master’s social worker shall be permitted to provide social work services on behalf of a federal, state, or local governmental agency on a contractual basis.

Qualification; licensed clinical social worker             

1. No individual shall be eligible for licensure by the board as a licensed clinical social worker unless the individual:

(1) Is of good moral character and whose screening for criminal history pursuant to R.S. 37:2710 contains no disqualifying information.

(2) Holds a master’s degree from an accredited graduate school of social work.

(3) Has completed at least three thousand hours of postgraduate social work practice over a minimum of two years and a maximum of four years while under the supervision of a board-approved clinical supervisor. The board shall consider circumstances warranting more than four years to complete this experience requirement. (4) Has passed an examination approved by the board.

1. An individual holding the licensed clinical social worker license may independently engage in advanced social work practice based on the application of social work theory, knowledge, ethics, and methods to restore or enhance social, psychosocial, or biopsychosocial functioning of individuals, couples, families, groups, organizations, and communities. The practice of clinical social work requires the application of specialized clinical knowledge and advanced clinical skills in the areas of prevention, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral and addiction disorders. Treatment methods include the provision of individual, marital, couple, family, and group psychotherapy. The practice of clinical social work may include private practice, employee assistance and addiction services, and the provision of clinical supervision. A licensed clinical social worker may work as an employee in a practice setting or independently in private practice.

Please review Louisiana’s State Board of Social Work Examiners website for additional details about obtaining licensure.

Louisiana State Board of Social Work Examiners
18550 Highland Road, Suite B
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70809
Phone: (225) 756-3470
Contact: socialwork@labswe.org

BSW: Western New Mexico University’s Bachelor of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of Maine and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.*

MSW: Western New Mexico University’s Master’s of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of Maine and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.*

*Please note that the state of Maine requires 12 hours of coursework in family or intimate partner violence. An applicant for initial licensure that cannot demonstrate completion of the required 12 hours of course work at the time the application is submitted shall submit documentation that the requirement has been met upon the applicant’s first application for renewal. Western New Mexico University offers an elective course in Intimate Partner Violence.

Maine Requirements

BSW: Western New Mexico University’s Bachelor of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of Maine and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

MSW: Western New Mexico University’s Master’s of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of Maine and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Additional coursework may be required for licensure (please see below). Western New Mexico University offers many of these courses as electives and as part of the core curriculum.

*Please note that the state of Maine requires 12 hours of coursework in family or intimate partner violence. An applicant for initial licensure that cannot demonstrate completion of the required 12 hours of course work at the time the application is submitted shall submit documentation that the requirement has been met upon the applicant’s first application for renewal. Western New Mexico University offers an elective course in Intimate Partner Violence.  (Board of Social Worker Licensure – Licensing and Forms on web page)

Maine Licensing Requirements

Licensed social worker

Licensed Social Worker

1. Initial Issuance

A candidate for licensure must satisfy the requirements of either paragraph A or B below.

1. Graduate of accredited program –
   1. Documented proof of a bachelor’s degree in social work or social welfare from an accredited program; and
   2. Proof of a passing score on the ASWB Bachelor examination.
   3. Conditional licensee –

(1)          An active social worker-conditional license issued by the board pursuant to section 1 of this chapter;

(2)          Completion of consultation by conditional licensees –

(a)          For persons other than employees of the Department of Health and Human Services, evidence of successful completion of 96 hours of consultation provided by a licensed social worker with a bachelor’s degree in social work or social welfare who has completed the licensed social worker consultation required by section 2(3) of this chapter, a licensed master social worker, a licensed clinical social worker, or a certified social worker – independent practice. This consultation-

(i)           Must be completed while licensed and concurrently with 3,200 hours of social work employment occurring within a period of not less than 2 years nor more than 4 years; and

(ii)          May be completed in-person, or via live, synchronous video technology, or any combination thereof, and may be completed either individually or in a group of not more than eight (8) members. Audio-only technology is not permitted.

As used in this subparagraph, “social work employment” consists entirely of work that is compensated financially.

(b)          For employees of the Department of Health and Human Services whose conditional license was originally issued on or after January 1, 2004, evidence of successful completion of 96 hours of consultation with a licensed social worker who has been licensed for at least 4 years, or a licensed master social worker, concurrently with the first 3,200 hours of social work employment occurring within a period of not less than 2 years nor more than 4 years. For employees of the Department of Health and Human Services whose conditional license was originally issued prior to January 1, 2004, evidence of successful completion of consultation in a manner prescribed by that department.

(3)          Proof of a passing score on the ASWB Bachelor examination.

(4)          If the licensee holds the licensed social worker-conditional license, completion of 25 continuing professional education contact hours as required by Chapter 14 of the board’s rules.

Licensed Master Social Worker

1. Initial Issuance
2. Documented proof of a master’s or doctoral degree in social work or social welfare from an accredited program;
3. Proof of a passing score on the ASWB Master examination.
4. If the licensee holds the licensed social worker license, completion of 25 continuing professional education contact hours as required by Chapter 14 of the board’s rules.

Licensed Master Social Worker Conditional (Clinical)

1. Initial Issuance
2. Documented proof of a master’s or doctoral degree in social work or social welfare from an accredited program;
3. Proof of a passing score on the ASWB Master examination; and
4. Documentation of intent to provide the clinical social work experience described in section 5(1)(D) of this chapter, signed by licensed clinical social worker, certified social worker – independent practice, licensed clinical professional counselor, licensed marriage and family therapist, licensed psychologist, licensed psychiatrist, or similarly-credentialed licensee in any of the aforementioned professions from any state or country engaged as the consultant.
5. If the licensee holds the licensed social worker or licensed master social worker license, completion of 25 continuing professional education contact hours as required by Chapter 14 of the board’s rules.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

1. Initial Issuance
2. Documented proof of a doctoral or master’s degree in social work or social welfare from an accredited program;
3. An active master social worker – conditional (clinical) license issued by the board;
4. Proof of a passing score on the ASWB Clinical examination;
5. Evidence of successful completion of clinical social work experience while licensed as a licensed master social worker conditional (clinical) through consultation with a licensed clinical social worker, certified social worker – independent practice, licensed clinical professional counselor, licensed marriage and family therapist, licensed psychologist, licensed psychiatrist, or similarly-credentialed licensee in any of the aforementioned professions from any state or country who served as consultant. The clinical social work experience consists of:

• Clinical social work practice which encompasses interventions directed to interpersonal interactions, intrapsychic dynamics and life-support and management issues, including but not limited to individual, couples, family and group psychotherapy;
• For applicants whose master’s degrees in social work are in clinical concentrations, 96 hours of consultation concurrent with 3,200 hours of social work employment occurring within a period of not less than 2 years. Consultation may be completed in-person, or via live, synchronous video technology, or any combination thereof. Audio-only technology is not permitted. 72 hours must be completed through individual consultation, and the remaining 24 hours may be completed in a group of not more than eight (8) members;
• For applicants whose master’s degrees in social work are in nonclinical concentrations, 192 hours of consultation while licensed and concurrent with 6,400 hours of social work employment occurring within a period of not less than 4 years. Consultation may be completed in person, or via live, synchronous video technology, or any combination thereof. Audio-only technology is not permitted. 144 hours must be completed through individual consultation, and the remaining 48 hours may be completed in a group of not more than eight (8) members.
• As part of the foregoing consultation, regular, systematic discussion and evaluation of cases, focusing on data, goals, ethics, and objectives of specific social work practice; and
• Documentation of the clinical supervision provided.

No less than 50% of the hours of consultation and social work employment described in this paragraph must have been completed within the 4 years immediately preceding application for licensure as a licensed clinical social worker.

Credit for consultation experience will only be given to practice in clinical settings such as organized public or private agencies, schools, institutions or other organizations which provide opportunities for contact with other professional disciplines and work experience with broad ranges of clients. Credit will not be given for private or self-employed practice.

For purposes of this level of licensure, “social work employment” consists entirely of work that is compensated financially.

1. Completion of 25 continuing professional education contact hours as required by Chapter 14 of the board’s rules.
2. Partial Waiver of Clinical Experience and Consultation in Connection with Initial Licensure

The board may waive up to 1 year of the clinical experience and consultation required for initial licensure pursuant to section 5(1)(D) of this chapter for a candidate who demonstrates to the satisfaction of the board lawful equivalent clinical experience and consultation that occurred prior to the applicant’s receipt of the master’s degree in social work.

3. Waiver of Clinical Experience and Consultation Completed in Another State

For purposes of this section, the board may recognize clinical experience and consultation completed in another state following a candidate’s receipt of the master’s degree in social work or social welfare that is substantially equivalent to the clinical experience and consultation required by section 5(1)(D) of this chapter.

Please review Maine’s Professional and Financial Regulation website for additional details about obtaining licensure.
State Board of Social Work Licensure
35 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0035Phone: (207) 624-8623
Contact: socwkr.board@maine.gov

• 19-302. Qualifications of applicants

To obtain a license, an applicant shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Board that the applicant:

• Has submitted a complete written application in the form prescribed by the Board;
• Is at least 18 years old;
• Is of good moral character;
• Except as otherwise provided in this title, has successfully passed an examination or examinations prescribed by the Board pertinent to the license sought;
• Has paid all applicable fees specified by the Board;
• Has completed a criminal history records check in accordance with § 19–302.2 of this subtitle at the applicant’s expense; and
• Has submitted to an examination if required under § 19–302.3 of this

To obtain a bachelor social worker license, an applicant shall:

• Meet the requirements of subsection (a) of this section; and
• Have received a baccalaureate degree in social work from a program that is accredited or is a candidate for accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education or an equivalent organization approved by the Council on Social Work Education.

To obtain a master social worker license, an applicant shall:

• Meet the requirements of subsection (a) of this section; and
• Have received a master’s degree from a program that is accredited or is a candidate for accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education or an equivalent organization approved by the Council on Social Work Education.

To obtain a certified social worker license, an applicant shall:

• Meet the requirements of subsection (a) of this section;
• Have received a master’s degree from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education or an equivalent organization approved by the Council on Social Work Education; and
• Provide in a form prescribed by the Board, documentation of having completed 2 years as a licensee with supervised experience of at least 3,000 hours after receiving the master’s degree with a minimum of 100 hours of periodic face–to–face supervision in the practice of social work under the terms and conditions that the Board determines by regulation.

To obtain a certified social worker–clinical license, an applicant shall:

• Meet the requirements of subsection (a) of this section;
• Have received a master’s degree in social work and documentation of completion of 12 academic credits in clinical course work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education or an equivalent organization approved by the Council on Social Work Education, with a minimum of 6 of the 12 academic credits obtained in a master’s degree program; and
• Provide in a form prescribed by the Board, documentation of having completed 2 years as a licensee with supervised experience of at least 3,000 hours, of which 1,500 hours are in face–to–face client contact, after receiving the master’s degree with a minimum of 144 hours of periodic face–to–face supervision in the assessment, formulation of a diagnostic impression, and treatment of mental disorders and other conditions and the provision of psychotherapy under the terms and conditions that the Board determines by regulation.

Please review Maryland’s Department of Health website for additional details about obtaining licensure.
Maryland Department of Health
Herbert R. O’Conor State Office Building
201 W. Preston Street Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: (877) 463-3464

BSW: Western New Mexico University’s Bachelor of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of Massachusetts and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

MSW: Western New Mexico University’s Master’s of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of Massachusetts and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Massachusetts Requirements

Licensure Requirements for a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker

(LICSW)

An applicant may be granted a license as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) if he or she submits to the Board a properly-completed application for such licensure, accompanied by all of the following:

• Satisfactory written or electronic documentation that he or she holds a master’s or doctoral degree in social work from a graduate school of social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, or a degree from a foreign educational institution which is equivalent to a master’s or doctoral degree in social work as determined by the Council on Social Work Education;
• Satisfactory written or electronic documentation that he or she currently holds, or has at some time in the past held:
  • a license to practice as a Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) issued by the Board pursuant to 258 CMR 9.04; or
  • a license to practice social work under the laws of another state, territory or political subdivision in the United States for which the educational and experiential requirements are substantially equivalent to the education and experience requirements for the LCSW license in Massachusetts as set forth in 258 CMR 04;
• Satisfactory written or electronic documentation that he or she has provided at least 3500 hours of clinical social work services in accordance with the requirements of 258 CMR 12.02(1) or (2) over a period of not less than two years from the date on which he or she was licensed by the Board as an LCSW as provided for in 258 CMR 9.04 and/or in compliance with the exemptions detailed in 258 CMR 02.
• Satisfactory written or electronic documentation that he or she has received, during the course of the post-graduate clinical social work experience required by 258 CMR 9.03(3), a minimum of 100 hours of individual face-to-face clinical supervision from:
  • an individual who holds a license as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker issued by the Board;
  • an individual who meets the requirements for licensure in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, but is exempt from the licensure requirement pursuant to 258 CMR 9.02(1); or
  • an individual who holds a license from another jurisdiction which authorizes that individual to provide clinical social work services as an independent practitioner, if the requirements for the issuance of that license are, in the opinion of the Board, substantially equivalent to the requirements for licensure as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts;

• Satisfactory written or electronic documentation that he or she has passed the Clinical licensure examination administered by the Association of Social Work Boards, or an equivalent examination as determined by the Board, not more than two years prior to the date of his or her application;
• A minimum of three professional references, on forms furnished for that purpose by the Board or its agent, from persons familiar with the applicant’s professional experience in the field of social work, attesting that the applicant is of good moral character and has demonstrated that he or she will conduct his or her activities as a social worker in accordance with generally accepted standards of professional social work practice. At least one such reference shall be from a person who provided the clinical supervision required by 258 CMR 9.03(4). All such references shall be from:
  • persons who are licensed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, psychologist, psychiatrist, or Licensed Psychiatric Nurse Mental Health Clinical Specialist; or
  • persons who are licensed in clinical social work, psychiatry, clinical psychology or psychiatric nursing in another jurisdiction.
• Payment of the licensure fees prescribed by the Executive Office of Administration and Finance pursuant to M.G.L. c. 7, §

Licensure Requirements for a Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW)

An applicant may be granted a license as a Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) if he or she submits to the Board a properly-completed application for such licensure, accompanied by all of the following:

• Satisfactory written or electronic documentation that he or she holds a master’s or doctoral degree in social work from a graduate school of social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, or a degree from a foreign educational institution which is equivalent to a master’s or doctoral degree in social work as determined by the Council on Social Work Education;
• Satisfactory written or electronic documentation that he or she has passed the Intermediate licensure examination administered by the Association of Social Work Boards, or an equivalent examination as determined by the Board, not more than two years prior to the date of his or her application;
• A minimum of three professional references, on forms furnished for that purpose by the Board or its agent, from persons familiar with the applicant’s professional experience in the field of social work, attesting that the applicant is of good moral character and has demonstrated that he or she will conduct his or her activities as a social worker in accordance with generally accepted standards of professional social work practice. One such reference shall be from the applicant’s most recent field placement supervisor, a person who is licensed by the Board as a Licensed Certified Social Worker or Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, or a person who is eligible for such licensure pursuant to 258 CMR 9.03, 258 CMR 9.04 or 258 CMR 9.07; and
• Payment of the licensure fees prescribed by the Executive Office of Administration and Finance pursuant to M.G.L. c. 7, § 3B

Licensure Requirements for a Licensed Social Worker (LSW)

An applicant may be granted a license as a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) if he or she submits to the Board a properly-completed application for such licensure, accompanied by all of the following:

• Satisfactory written or electronic documentation that he or she possesses one of the following combinations of education and social work experience:
  • A baccalaureate degree in social work (BSW) from an undergraduate school or program of social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, or a degree from a foreign educational institution which is equivalent to a baccalaureate degree in social work as determined by the Council on Social Work Education; or
  • A baccalaureate degree in a field other than social work from an accredited college or university, plus a minimum of 3500 hours of work experience over not less than two years in the provision of social work services as an employee of an agency, health care facility or unrelated individual and under the direct supervision of an individual who meets the requirements of 258 CMR 9.05(2); or
  • A minimum of 2½ years (75 semester hours or 100 quarter hours), but less than four years, of undergraduate college education at an accredited college or university, plus a minimum of 8,750 hours of work experience over not less than five years in the provision of social work services as an employee of an agency, health care facility or unrelated individual and under the direct supervision of an individual who meets the requirements of 258 CMR 9.05(2); or
  • Two years (60 semester hours or 80 quarter hours) of undergraduate college education at an accredited college or university, plus a minimum of 10,500 hours of work experience over not less than six years in the provision of social work services as an employee of an agency, health care facility or unrelated individual and under the direct supervision of an individual who meets the requirements of 258 CMR 9.05(2); or
  • One year (30 semester hours or 40 quarter hours) of undergraduate college education at an accredited college or university, plus a minimum of 14,000 hours of work experience over not less than eight years in the provision of social work services as an employee of an agency, health care facility or unrelated individual and under the direct supervision of an individual who meets the requirements of 258 CMR 9.05(2); or
  • A high school diploma, or its equivalent, plus a minimum of 17,500 hours of work experience over not less than ten years in the provision of social work services as an employee of an agency, health care facility or unrelated individual and under the direct supervision of an individual who meets the requirements of 258 CMR 05(2).
• In the case of any applicant who is applying for licensure pursuant to any provision of 258 CMR 9.05(1) other than 258 CMR 9.05(1)(a), satisfactory written or electronic documentation that he or she completed the required work experience in the provision of social work services under the direct supervision of, and received individual face-to-face supervision at a rate of not less than one hour of supervision for every 35 hours of work experience from:
  • An individual who holds a license as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker issued by the Board;
  • An individual who meets the requirements for licensure in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, but is exempt from the licensure requirement pursuant to 258 CMR 02(1);
  • An individual who holds a license from another jurisdiction which authorizes that individual to provide clinical social work services as an independent practitioner, if the requirements for the issuance of that license are, in the opinion of the Board, substantially equivalent to the requirements for licensure as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts;
  • An individual who holds a license as a Licensed Certified Social Worker issued by the Board pursuant to 258 CMR 04;
  • An individual who meets the requirements for licensure in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as a Licensed Certified Social Worker, but is exempt from the licensure requirement pursuant to 258 CMR 02(1);
  • An individual who holds a license from another jurisdiction for which the requirements for licensure in that jurisdiction are, in the opinion of the Board, substantially equivalent to the requirements for licensure as a Licensed Certified Social Worker in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; or
  • An individual who holds at least a baccalaureate degree in social work (BSW) from an undergraduate school or program of social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, or a degree from a foreign educational institution which is equivalent to a baccalaureate degree in social work as determined by the Council on Social Work
• Satisfactory written or electronic documentation that he or she has passed the Basic licensure examination administered by the Association of Social Work Boards, or its successor agency, or an equivalent examination as determined by the Board, not more than two years prior to the date of his or her application;
• A minimum of three professional references, on forms furnished for that purpose by the Board or its agent, from persons familiar with the applicant’s professional experience in the field of social work, attesting that the applicant is of good moral character and has demonstrated that he or she will conduct his or her activities as a social worker in accordance with generally accepted standards of professional social work practice. One such reference shall be from the person who supervised the applicant in his or her most recent social work employment setting, a person who is licensed by the Board as a Licensed Certified Social Worker or Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, or a person who is eligible for such licensure pursuant to 258 CMR 9.03, 258 CMR 9.04 or 258 CMR 9.07; and
• Payment of the licensure fees prescribed by the Executive Office of Administration and Finance pursuant to M.G.L. c. 7, § 3B.

Licensure Requirements for a Licensed Social Work Associate (LSWA)

An applicant may be granted a license as a Licensed Social Work Associate (LSWA) if he or she submits to the Board a properly-completed application for such licensure, accompanied by all of the following:

• Satisfactory written or electronic documentation that he or she possesses one of the following levels of education and training:
  • An associate degree, or at least 60 credit hours of college education, in the fields of social work, psychology, counseling or other similar human services field, from an accredited college or university; or
  • A baccalaureate degree in any field from an accredited college or university; or
  • A minimum of 1000 hours of education in social work theory and methods in courses or programs approved by the Board;
• Satisfactory written or electronic documentation that he or she has attained the Associate level passing score on the Basic licensure examination administered by the Association of State Social Work Boards, or its successor agency, or an equivalent examination as determined by the Board, not more than two years prior to the date of his or her application;
• A minimum of three professional references, on forms furnished for that purpose by the Board or its agent, from person’s familiar with the applicant’s professional experience in the field of social work, attesting that the applicant is of good moral character and has demonstrated that he or she will conduct his or her activities as a social worker in accordance with generally accepted standards of professional social work practice. At least one such reference shall be from a person who is licensed by the Board as a Licensed Certified Social Worker or Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, or a person who is eligible for such licensure pursuant to 258 CMR 9.03, 258 CMR 9.04 or 258 CMR 9.07; and
• Payment of the licensure fees prescribed by the Executive Office of Administration and Finance pursuant to M.G.L. c. 7, § 3B.

Please review Massachusetts’ Board of Registration of Social Workers website for additional details about obtaining licensure.
Board of Registration of Social Workers
Division of Professional Licensure 1000 Washington Street, Suite 710
Boston, MA 02118
Phone: (617) 727-3073
Contact: swboard@mass.gov

BSW: Western New Mexico University’s Bachelor of Social Work program meets professional licensure standards for the state of Michigan and is nationally accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

MSW: Western New Mexico University’s Master’s of Social Work program meets professional licensure standards for the state of Michigan and is nationally accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Additional coursework may be required for licensure (please see below). Western New Mexico University offers many of these courses as electives and as part of the core curriculum.

Eligibility for full master’s social worker license (LMSW) by Examination

• Criminal Background Check – Once the online application is completed and submitted, you will be emailed an Application Confirmation letter containing instructions to complete the Criminal Background Check (except those applicants seeking relicensure, for a license that expired within the last three years).
• Good Moral Character Questions – Documentation and explanation will be required if you answer “yes” to either question to show at the current time you have the ability to, and are likely to, serve the public in a fair, honest and open manner, that you are rehabilitated, or that the substance of the former offense is not reasonably related to the occupation or profession for which you are seeking a license. Human Trafficking Training – Beginning December 22, 2021, completion of a one-time training to identify victims of human trafficking is required for individuals seeking licensure that meets the standards of Administrative Rule 338.2929.
• Implicit Bias Training– Beginning June 1, 2022, completion of 2 hours of implicit bias training within the 5 years immediately preceding issuance of the license or registration is required. MASTER’S SOCIAL WORK LICENSING GUIDE Revision Date 10/1/2023 Page 2 of 6
• Social Security Number (SSN) – An individual applying for licensure is required to provide his or her social security number at the time of application. If exempt under law from obtaining an SSN or you do not have an SSN, the SSN affidavit form will be required to be uploaded at the time the application is submitted.
• Verification of Licensure – Verification of licensure must be submitted directly to our office by the licensing agency of any state of the United States or country in which you hold or ever held a license. The verification must show that disciplinary proceedings are not pending against the applicant and sanctions are not in force at the time of application. Verification can be emailed to bpldata@michigan.gov or mailed to the Bureau of Professional Licensing, PO Box 30670, Lansing, MI
• English Language Proficiency – An individual applying for licensure must demonstrate a working knowledge of the English language. This can be established if either the applicant’s required health professional educational program was taught in English, a transcript establishes the applicant earned not less than 60 college level credits from an English-speaking graduate or undergraduate school, or that the applicant obtained a passing score on an approved English proficiency exam as established by the department under R 338.7002b(2) of the Public Health Code – General Rules.

Rule 49.

(1) In addition to meeting the requirements of the code and the administrative rules promulgated under the code, an applicant for a master’s social worker license shall submit a completed application on a form provided by the department, together with the required fee, and meet all of the following requirement: Courtesy of Michigan Administrative Rules

(a) Have completed a master’s or doctoral degree program from a program of social work that complies with the standards in R 338.2923.

(b) Have completed at least 4,000 hours of post-degree supervised work experience accrued over not less than 2 years, as required in section 18509(1)(a) of the code, MCL 333.18509, and described in subrules (2), (3), and (4) of this rule and R 338.2951 or R 338.2953, as applicable.

(c) Have passed the advanced generalist or clinical examination, as required in R 338.2951 or R 338.2953, or both, as applicable.

(2) An applicant for a master’s social worker license shall complete supervised work experience as required by R 338.2951, R 338.2953, or both, as applicable, under the direction of a Michigan-licensed master’s social worker who holds a macro designation, clinical practice designation, or both, as applicable, and whose license is in good standing throughout the period of supervision. 

Eligibility for full bachelor’s social worker license (LBSW) by examination

• Criminal Background Check – Once the online application is completed and submitted, you will be emailed an Application Confirmation letter containing instructions to complete the Criminal Background Check (except those applicants seeking relicensure, for a license that expired within the last three years).
• Good Moral Character Questions – Documentation and explanation will be required if you answer “yes” to either question to show at the current time you have the ability to, and are likely to, serve the public in a fair, honest and open manner, that you are rehabilitated, or that the substance of the former offense is not reasonably related to the occupation or profession for which you are seeking a license.
• Human Trafficking Training – Beginning December 22, 2021, completion of a one-time training to identify victims of human trafficking is required for individuals seeking licensure that meets the standards of Administrative Rule 338.2929.
• Implicit Bias Training– Beginning June 1, 2022, completion of 2 hours of implicit bias training within the 5 years immediately preceding issuance of the license or registration is required.
• Social Security Number (SSN) – An individual applying for licensure is required to provide his or her social security number at the time of application. If exempt under law from obtaining an SSN or you do not have an SSN, the SSN affidavit form will be required to be uploaded at the time the application is submitted.
• Verification of Licensure – Verification of licensure must be submitted directly to our office by the licensing agency of any state of the United States or country in which you hold or ever held a license. The verification must show that disciplinary proceedings are not pending against the applicant and sanctions are not in force at the time of application. Verification can be emailed to bpldata@michigan.gov or mailed to the Bureau of Professional Licensing, PO Box 30670, Lansing, MI
• English Language Proficiency – An individual applying for licensure must demonstrate a working knowledge of the English language. This can be established if either the applicant’s required health professional educational program was taught in English, a transcript establishes the applicant earned not less than 60 college level credits from an English-speaking graduate or undergraduate school, or that the applicant obtained a passing score on an approved English proficiency exam as established by the department under R 338.7002b(2) of the Public Health Code – General Rules

Rule 41.

(1) An applicant for a bachelor’s social worker license by examination shall submit a completed application on a form provided by the department, together with the required fee. In addition to meeting the requirements of the code and the administrative rules promulgated under the code, an applicant for a bachelor’s social worker license by examination shall meet all of the following requirements:

(a) Have completed a baccalaureate degree program from a program of social work that complies with the standards in R 338.2923.

(b) Have completed at least 4,000 hours of post-degree supervised work experience accrued over not less than 2 years, as required in section 18509(1)(a) of the code, MCL 333.18509, and described in subrules (2), (3), and (4) of this rule.

(c) Have passed the bachelor’s examination approved pursuant to R 338.2925.

Please review Michigan’s Licensing and Regulatory Affairs website for additional details about obtaining licensure.
Department of Licensing & Regulatory Affairs
Ottawa Building
611 W. Ottawa
P.O. Box 30004 Lansing, MI 48909
Phone: (517) 373-1820
Contact: bplhelp@michigan.gov

BSW: Western New Mexico University’s Bachelor of Social Work program meets professional licensure standards for the state of Minnesota and is nationally accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

MSW: Western New Mexico University’s Master’s of Social Work program meets professional licensure standards for the state of Minnessota and is nationally accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Qualifications for licensure by examination as a licensed social worker (LSW).

To be licensed as a licensed social worker, an applicant for licensure by examination must provide evidence satisfactory to the board that the applicant:

(1) has received a baccalaureate degree in social work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, the Canadian Association of Schools of Social Work, or a similar accreditation body that the board designates;

(2) has passed the bachelor’s or equivalent examination administered by the Association of Social Work Boards or a similar examination body that the board designates. An examination is not valid if the applicant took and passed the examination eight or more years prior to submitting an application for licensure under this section. An applicant must take the examination no more than six months prior to completing degree requirements;

(3) has submitted a completed, signed application form that the board has provided. For electronic applications, a “signed application” means providing an attestation that the board has specified;

(4) has completed the criminal background check according to section 214.075 and paid the required fees;

(5) has paid all applicable fees specified in section 148E.180; and

(6) has not engaged in conduct that was or would be in violation of the standards of practice specified in sections 148E.195 to 148E.240. If the applicant has engaged in conduct that was or would be in violation of the standards of practice, the board may take action according to sections 148E.255 to 148E.270.

Subd. 3.Qualifications for licensure by examination as a licensed graduate social worker (LGSW).

To be licensed as a licensed graduate social worker, an applicant for licensure by examination must provide evidence satisfactory to the board that the applicant:

(1) has received a graduate degree in social work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, the Canadian Association of Schools of Social Work, or a similar accreditation body that the board designates, or a doctorate in social work from an accredited university;

(2) has passed the master’s or equivalent examination administered by the Association of Social Work Boards or a similar examination body that the board designates. An examination is not valid if the applicant took and passed the examination eight or more years prior to submitting an application for licensure under this section. The applicant must take the examination no more than six months prior to completing degree requirements;

(3) has submitted a completed, signed application form that the board has provided. For electronic applications, a “signed application” means providing an attestation that the board has specified;

(4) has completed the criminal background check according to section 214.075 and paid the required fees;

(5) has paid all applicable fees specified in section 148E.180; and

(6) has not engaged in conduct that was or would be in violation of the standards of practice specified in sections 148E.195 to 148E.240. If the applicant has engaged in conduct that was or would be in violation of the standards of practice, the board may take action according to sections 148E.255 to 148E.270.

Subd. 4.Qualifications for licensure by examination as a licensed independent social worker (LISW).

To be licensed as a licensed independent social worker, an applicant for licensure by examination must provide evidence satisfactory to the board that the applicant:

(1) has received a graduate degree in social work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, the Canadian Association of Schools of Social Work, or a similar accreditation body that the board designates, or a doctorate in social work from an accredited university;

(2) has practiced social work as defined in section 148E.010, and has met the supervised practice requirements specified in sections 148E.100 to 148E.125;

(3) has passed the advanced generalist or equivalent examination administered by the Association of Social Work Boards or a similar examination body that the board designates. An examination is not valid if the applicant took and passed the examination eight or more years prior to submitting an application for licensure under this section;

(4) has submitted a completed, signed application form that the board has provided. For electronic applications, a “signed application” means providing an attestation that the board has specified;

(5) has completed the criminal background check according to section 214.075 and paid the required fees;

(6) has paid all applicable fees specified in section 148E.180; and

(7) has not engaged in conduct that was or would be in violation of the standards of practice specified in sections 148E.195 to 148E.240. If the applicant has engaged in conduct that was or would be in violation of the standards of practice, the board may take action according to sections 148E.255 to 148E.270.

Please review Minnesota’s Board of Social Work website for additional details about obtaining licensure.

Board of Social Work
2829 University Ave SE Suite #340
Minneapolis, MN 55414

Phone: (612) 617-2100
Contact: Social.work@state.mn.us

BSW: Western New Mexico University’s Bachelor of Social Work program meets professional licensure standards for the state of Mississippi and is nationally accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

MSW: Western New Mexico University’s Master’s of Social Work program meets professional licensure standards for the state of Mississippi and is nationally accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

LSW Level:

An applicant for LSW designation must submit the following to the Board:

1. An Initial application
2. Verification of a baccalaureate degree in social work from a college or university accredited by the Council on Social Work Education) (CSWE) or the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
3. A current fingerprint criminal history record information check conducted by the appropriate governmental authority or authorities within one-hundred eighty (180) calendar days of the completed application. This criminal history record information check must be received by the Board directly from the appropriate governmental authority or authorities, not from the applicant
4. An acceptable Sex Offender Registry check conducted by the Board
5. Passing scores on the examination from the ASWB basic exam; f. Full licensure fee (See Part 1902, Chapter 4, Rule 4.3, B).

LMSW Level:

An applicant for LMSW designation must submit the following to the Board:

1. An Initial application
2. Verification of a master’s degree from a school of social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) or a doctorate in social work (D.S.W. or Ph.D.)
3. A current fingerprint criminal history record information check conducted by the appropriate governmental authority or authorities within one-hundred eighty (180) calendar days of the completed application. This criminal history record information check must be received by the Board directly from the appropriate governmental authority or authorities, not from the applicant
4. An acceptable Sex Offender Registry check conducted by the Board
5. Passing scores on the examination from the ASWB intermediate exam; f. Full licensure fee (Part 1902, Chapter 4, Rule 4.3, B).

LCSW Level:

An applicant for LCSW designation must be a current LMSW in good standing who has completed the Supervision process as outlined in Part 1902, Chapter 2, Rule 2.3 as verified by Board records, and must submit to the Board:

1. An Initial application for LCSW license
2. Supervision Plan and Contract for Supervision as outlined by the MS Board of Examiners for Social Workers in the LMSW Guide for Supervision
3. Four evaluations (1 approximately every six months for 24 months) not to exceed thirty-six (36) months for the supervision process to be completed
4. Termination of Supervision Contract
5. A current fingerprint criminal history record information check conducted by the appropriate governmental authority or authorities within three-hundred sixty-five (365) days of the completed application. This criminal history record 39 information check must be received by the Board directly from the appropriate governmental authority or authorities, not from the applicant
6. An acceptable Sex Offender Registry check conducted by the Board
7. Three (3) acceptable letters of professional reference from licensed mental health professionals who have known the applicant for at least one year within the supervision period, sent directly to the board by the professional. The persons documenting the clinical experience and supervision may NOT be used for the letters of professional reference, but at least one (1) must be from a LCSW other than the applicant’s supervisor
8. Passing scores on the ASWB LCSW Clinical examination

Note: All licensees are required to inform the Board, through submission of a Change of Status Form, of a change of address, name, and etc.

Please review Mississippi’s State Board of Examiners for Social Works and Marriage & Family Therapists website for additional details about obtaining licensure.
Mississippi State Board of Examiners for Social Workers and Marriage & Family Therapists
350 West Woodrow Wilson Avenue 1st  Floor, Suite 761
Jackson, MS 39213
Phone: (601) 987-6806
Contact: info@swmft.ms.gov

BSW: Western New Mexico University’s Bachelor of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of Missouri and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

MSW: Western New Mexico University’s Master’s of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of Missouri and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Missouri Requirements

Licensure Process for LMSW/LBSW requirements:

• Mail completed Application for Licensure form with the appropriate fee
• Fingerprint results (instructions included with application)
• Have your college/university mail an official transcript directly to our office.
• If you are requesting to sit for the examination prior to graduation, have your school send a letter stating you’re on track to graduate.
  • You are responsible for ensuring your school sends a final transcript upon graduation, a license WILL NOT be issued without one.

The Committee will notify the applicant via email to contact ASWB and schedule the exam once the  application has been reviewed and approved. (allow 5-7 business days for processing)

Upon passing the exam, the ASWB will send our office your official score report and the license will be issued.  (allow 5-7 business days for processing) Licensure Process for

LCSW/LAMSW requirements: (must hold a current license as a LMSW in MO)

• Register supervision by submitting the following for approval:
  • Registration of Supervision form and required fee
  • Employment Verification Letter
• Upon approval, complete a minimum of 3,000 hours of supervised experience within 24-48 months.

The supervision and the ability to practice clinically will cease at the end of the 48 month period. If one has not passed the clinical exam in that time period they may still be approved to take the exam, providing the supervision still qualifies as per 20 CSR 2263-2.032(10).

After obtaining the required supervision, complete and submit the following:

• Application for Licensure form and fee
• Fingerprint results (instructions included with application)
• Attestation form (must come directly from supervisor)

The Committee will notify the applicant via email to contact ASWB and schedule the exam once the application has been reviewed and approved. (allow 5-7 business days for processing)

Upon passing the exam, the ASWB will send our office your official score report and the license will be issued.  (allow 5-7 business days for processing) You must remain under supervision until the exam is passed and the license is issued and received in order to provide clinical services.

Please review Missouri’s Division of Professional Registration website for additional details about obtaining licensure.

Committee for Social Workers
3605 Missouri Boulevard
P.O. Box 1335
Jefferson City, MO  65102-1335
573.751.0885 Telephone
573.526.4220 Fax
800.735.2966 TTY
800.735.2466 Voice Relay
lcsw@pr.mo.gov
lmsw@pr.mo.gov
lbsw@pr.mo.gov
https://pr.mo.gov/socialworkers.asp

BSW: Western New Mexico University’s Master’s of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of Montana and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Please note the hours of supervised post-MSW practice experience that are required to apply for a license in Montana.

MSW: Western New Mexico University’s Master’s of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of Montana and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Please note the hours of supervised post-MSW practice experience that are required to apply for a license in Montana.

Montana Requirements

37-22-301. License requirements

License Requirements for LBSW Not Currently Licensed in Another Jurisdiction

Below are the minimum requirements you must meet to be licensed in the state of Montana.

1. Minimum of a baccalaureate degree in social work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) or a program currently in CSWE candidacy status.
2. Proof of completion of 2,000 hours post-graduate supervised work experience over a minimum of 18 months per the requirements in MCA 37-22-307 and ARM 24.219.504
3. Submit fingerprints to the Montana Department of Justice for a fingerprint and background check. [MCA 37-22-307] 4. Proof of passage of the Association of Social Work Boards’ (ASWB) bachelor’s licensing exam within four years of the date of application. [ARM 24.219.502(3)]

License Requirements for LMSW Not Currently Licensed in Another Jurisdiction   Below are the minimum requirements you must meet to be licensed in the state of Montana.

1. Minimum of a master’s degree in social work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) or a program currently in CSWE candidacy status.
2. Proof of completion of 2,000 hours post-graduate supervised work experience over a minimum of 18 months per the requirements in MCA 37-22-308 and ARM 24.219.504.
3. Submit fingerprints to the Montana Department of Justice for a fingerprint and background check. [MCA 37-22-308]. 4. Proof of passage of the Association of Social Work Boards’ (ASWB) master’s licensing exam within four years of the date of application [ARM 24.219.502(2)].

License Requirements for LCSW Not Currently Licensed in Another Jurisdiction   Below are the minimum requirements you must meet to be licensed in the state of Montana.

1. Minimum of a master’s degree in social work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) or a program currently in CSWE candidacy status. [ARM 24.219.501]
2. Proof of completion of 3,000 hours post-graduate supervised work experience over a minimum of 24 months per the requirements in [MCA 37-22-301and ARM 24.219.504]
3. Submit fingerprints to the Montana Department of Justice for a fingerprint and background check. [MCA 37-22-301]
4. Proof of passage of the Association of Social Work Boards’ (ASWB) clinical licensing exam within four years of the date of application. [ARM 24.219.502]

Please review Montana’s Board of Behavioral website for information about obtaining licensure.

Montana Department of Labor & Industry
Board of Behavioral Health
1315 Lockey Ave
Helena, MT 59601
Phone: (406) 841-2394
Contact: dlibsdbbh@mt.gov

BSW: Western New Mexico University’s Bachelor of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of Nebraska and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

MSW: Western New Mexico University’s Master’s of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of Nebraska and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Nebraska Requirements

(1) A person shall be qualified to be a certified master social worker if he or she:

(a) Has a doctorate or a master’s degree in social work from an approved educational program;

(b) Has had a minimum of at least three thousand hours of experience, in addition to the master’s or doctorate degree, in social work under the supervision as defined in section 38-2127 of a certified master social worker;

(c) Provides evidence to the department that he or she meets the requirements of subdivisions (1)(a) and (1)(b) of this section; and

(d) Completes an application and satisfactorily passes an examination approved by the board.

(2) A person shall be qualified to be a certified social worker if he or she provides evidence to the board that he or she has a baccalaureate or master’s degree in social work from an approved educational program and completes an application form.

Provisional certification as master social worker;

qualifications; application; expiration.

(1) A person who needs to obtain the required three thousand hours of supervised experience in social work as specified in section 38-2128 to qualify for certification as a master social worker shall obtain a provisional certification as a master social worker. To qualify for a provisional certification as a master social worker, such person shall:

(a) Have a doctorate or master’s degree in social work from an approved educational program; and

(b) Apply prior to earning the three thousand hours of supervised experience.

(2) A provisional master social worker certification shall expire upon receipt of certification as a master social worker or five years after the date of issuance, whichever comes first.

(3) A person who holds a provisional certification as a master social worker shall inform all clients that he or she holds a provisional certification and is practicing social work under supervision and shall identify the supervisor. Failure to make such disclosure is a ground for discipline as set forth in section 38-2139. Source:  Laws 1997, LB 622, § 82;  Laws 2003, LB 242, § 74; R.S.1943, (2003), § 71-1,319.01;  Laws 2007, LB463, § 746.  Operative date December 1, 2008.

Please review Nebraska’s Department of Health and Human Services website for additional details about obtaining licensure.
Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services
301 Centennial Mall South
Lincoln, Nebraska 68509
Phone: (402) 471-2117
Contact: Heidi.Weiland@nebraska.gov

BSW: Western New Mexico University’s Bachelor of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of Nevada and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

MSW: Western New Mexico University’s Master’s of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of Nevada and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Licensing Requirements Nevada

NRS 641B.220  Social worker: Qualifications; licensing of associate; supervision of another social worker.

1.  The Board shall grant a license to engage in social work as a social worker to any applicant who possesses the preliminary qualifications set forth in NRS 641B.200 and who:

(a) Possesses a baccalaureate degree or master’s degree in social work from:

(1) A college or university accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, or its successor organization, or which is a candidate for such accreditation; or

(2) A college or university located in a foreign country, or the equivalent of a baccalaureate degree or master’s degree in social work from such a college or university, if the applicant includes in his or her application the documentation required by NRS 641B.204; and

(b) Passes an examination prescribed by the Board.

2.  The Board shall grant a license to engage in social work as a social worker to an applicant licensed as an associate in social work who:

(a) Possesses the preliminary qualifications set forth in NRS 641B.200;

(b) Possesses a baccalaureate degree or master’s degree in a related field, or has completed equivalent course work in a related field;

(c) Completes 3,000 hours of employment in Nevada as an associate in social work; and

(d) Passes an examination prescribed by the Board.

3. A person who is granted a license to engage in social work as a social worker pursuant to subsection 1 or 2 may supervise another person engaged in the practice of social work.

(Added to NRS by 1987, 1118; A 1989, 2198; 2021, 3495)

      NRS 641B.225  Master social worker: Qualifications; practice; supervision of other social workers.

1.  The Board shall grant a license to engage in social work as a master social worker to any applicant who possesses the preliminary qualifications set forth in NRS 641B.200 and who:

(a) Possesses a master’s or doctoral degree in social work from:

(1) A college or university accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, or its successor organization, or which is a candidate for such accreditation; or

(2) A college or university located in a foreign country, or the equivalent of a master’s or doctoral degree in social work from such a college or university, if the applicant includes in his or her application the documentation required by NRS 641B.204; and

(b) Passes an examination prescribed by the Board.

2.  A person licensed as a master social worker may:

(a) Engage in social work independently as part of an internship program approved by the Board to complete the supervised social work required for licensure as an independent social worker pursuant to NRS 641B.230;

(b) Engage in clinical social work as part of an internship program approved by the Board to complete the supervised, postgraduate, clinical social work required for licensure as a clinical social worker pursuant to NRS 641B.240; and

(c) Supervise other persons engaging in the practice of social work.

(Added to NRS by 2021, 3492)

      NRS 641B.230  Independent social worker: Qualifications; practice; supervision of other social workers.

1.  The Board shall grant a license to engage in social work as an independent social worker to any applicant who possesses the preliminary qualifications set forth in NRS 641B.200 and who:

(a) Possesses a master’s or doctoral degree in social work from:

(1) A college or university accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, or its successor organization, or which is a candidate for such accreditation; or

(2) A college or university located in a foreign country, or the equivalent of a master’s or doctoral degree in social work from such a college or university, if the applicant includes in his or her application the documentation required by NRS 641B.204.

(b) Completes 3,000 hours of supervised, postgraduate social work approved by the Board.

(c) Passes an examination prescribed by the Board.

2.  A person licensed as an independent social worker may:

(a) Engage in social work independently or within an agency;

(b) Engage in clinical social work as part of an internship program approved by the Board to complete the supervised clinical social work required for licensure as a clinical social worker pursuant to NRS 641B.240; and

(c) Supervise other persons engaging in the practice of social work.

(Added to NRS by 1987, 1118; A 2021, 3495)

      NRS 641B.240  Clinical social worker: Qualifications; practice; supervision of other social workers.

1.  The Board shall grant a license to engage in social work as a clinical social worker to any applicant who possesses the preliminary qualifications set forth in NRS 641B.200 and who:

(a) Possesses a master’s or doctoral degree in social work from:

(1) A college or university accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, or its successor organization, or which is a candidate for such accreditation; or

(2) A college or university located in a foreign country, or the equivalent of a master’s or doctoral degree in social work from such a college or university, if the applicant includes in his or her application the documentation required by NRS 641B.204.

(b) Completes 3,000 hours of supervised, postgraduate, clinical social work approved by the Board.

(c) Passes an examination prescribed by the Board.

2.  A person licensed as a clinical social worker may:

(a) Engage in social work independently or within an agency;

(b) Engage in clinical social work; and

(c) Supervise other persons engaging in the practice of social work.

(Added to NRS by 1987, 1118; A 2021, 3496)

Please review Nevada’s Board of Examiners for Social Workers website for additional details about obtaining licensure.

State of Nevada Board of Examiners for Social Workers
State of Nevada Board of Examiners for Social Workers
4600 Kietzke Lane, #O-264
Reno, NV 89502
Phone: (775) 688-2555 Contact:   socwork@besw.nv.gov

BSW:  Western New Mexico University’s Bachelors of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of New Hampshire and is accredited by the  Council on Social Work Education.

MSW: Western New Mexico University’s Master’s of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of New Hampshire and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

New Hampshire Requirements

330-A:18-c Licensed Social Work Associate: Initial License. –
I. An applicant for an initial license as a licensed social work associate shall comply with the following requirements:
(a)(1) Graduate with a bachelor’s degree in clinical mental health, social work, psychology, behavioral health counseling, human services discipline, or equivalent program from an accredited college or university.
(2) Complete 300 hours of social work or mental health education within the degree-granting program or separately.
(3) Complete 4,000 hours of supervised work experience.
(4) Complete 300 hours of supervised practical training within the degree-granting program, as part of the supervised work experience or separately.
(5) Pass a national proctored examination approved by the board.
(6) Meet other criteria as established by the board; or
(b)(1) Graduate with an associate’s degree in clinical mental health, social work, psychology, behavioral health counseling, human services discipline, or equivalent program.
(2) Complete 300 hours of social work or mental health education within the degree-granting program or separately.
(3) Complete 6,000 hours of supervised work experience.
(4) Complete 300 hours of supervised practical training within the degree-granting program, as part of the supervised work experience or separately.
(5) Pass a national proctored examination approved by the board.
(6) Meet other criteria as established by the board.
II. The scope of practice of a licensed social work associate shall be the screening, assessment, treatment planning, and treatment of mental health conditions under clinical supervision as defined in this section as follows:
(a) The performance of clinical evaluation including the screening and assessment of mental health disorders, the assessment and identification of symptoms of co-occurring mental health disorders and differential diagnosis indicators, and the development of preliminary mental health disorder diagnoses for further assessment and confirmation by an appropriate professional. This includes severity assessment and assessment of dangerousness to self or others.
(b) The performance of treatment planning and case management referrals including cooccurring substance use disorders and medical conditions, case management and service coordination including implementation of treatment plans, consultation, coordination of care with mental health, substance use treatment and other community providers, ongoing assessment of progress and needs, and client advocacy, education, and documentation.
(c) The performance of counseling, including:
(1) Individual, group, family, and significant other counseling; and
(2) Crisis prevention and intervention to include enlisting the support of trained personnel to manage risk of harm to self or others.
(d) Adherence to professional and ethical responsibilities as determined by the board.
III. A licensed social work associate may engage in practice only under clinical supervision of a licensed clinical social worker, a licensed mental health counselor, a master licensed drug and alcohol counselor, a psychiatric APRN, or a licensed mental health provider approved by the board. The supervising clinician shall sign off on any clinical diagnostic assessment and treatment plan established by a licensed social work associate.

30-A:18-d Social Work; Conditional License. –
I. Applicants for licensure under this section may apply to the board for conditional licensure. To receive a conditional license, applicants shall comply with the following requirements:
(a) Clinical Social Worker:
(1) Hold a master’s or doctoral degree in social work or social welfare from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) approved program.
(2) Obtain a board approved supervisory agreement with documented intent to pursue licensure as a clinical social worker under this chapter.
(3) Meet other criteria as reasonably established by the board.
(4) Upon approval of the supervision agreement, the office of professional licensure and certification shall issue a conditional license.
(5) Conditional licensees are subject to the jurisdiction of the board.
(b) School Social Worker:
(1) Hold a master’s or doctoral degree in social work or social welfare from a CSWE approved program.
(2) Obtain a board approved supervisory agreement, with documented intent to pursue licensure as a clinical social worker under this chapter.
(3) Meet other criteria as reasonably established by the board.
(4) Upon approval of the supervision agreement, the office of professional licensure and certification shall issue a conditional license.
(5) Conditional licensees are subject to the jurisdiction of the board.
(c) Licensed Social Worker:
(1) Hold a bachelor’s degree in social work or a social welfare from a CSWE approved program.
(2) Obtain a board approved supervisory agreement consistent with RSA 330-A:18-b, III, with documented intent to pursue licensure as a licensed social worker under this chapter.
(3) Meet other criteria as reasonably established by the board.
(4) Upon approval of the supervision agreement, the office of professional licensure and certification shall issue a conditional license.
(5) Conditional licensees are subject to the jurisdiction of the board.
(d) Licensed Social Work Associate:
(1) Hold an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in clinical mental health, social work, psychology, behavioral health counseling, human services discipline, or equivalent program from an accredited college or university.
(2) Complete 300 hours of social work or mental health education within the degree-granting program or separately.
(3) Complete 300 hours of supervised practical training within the degree-granting program, as part of the supervised work experience or separately.
(4) Obtain a board approved supervisory agreement consistent with RSA 330-A:18-c, III, with documented intent to pursue licensure as a licensed social work associate under this chapter.
(5) Meet other criteria as reasonably established by the board.
(6) Upon approval of the supervision agreement, the office of professional licensure and certification shall issue a conditional license.
(7) Conditional licensees are subject to the jurisdiction of the board.
II. Conditional licenses issued under this section shall be valid for a period not to exceed 2 years from the date of issuance. Applicants in good standing with the board may apply for a one-time renewal of a conditional license.

330-A:18-b Licensed Social Workers: Initial License. –
I. An applicant for an initial license as a licensed social worker shall comply with the following requirements:
(a) Graduate with a bachelor’s degree in social work from a college or university approved by the Council on Social Work Education.
(b) Complete 300 hours of social work or mental health education within the degree-granting program or separately.
(c) Complete 4,000 hours of supervised work experience.
(d) Complete 300 hours of supervised practical training within the degree-granting program, as part of the supervised work experience or separately.
(e) Pass a national proctored examination approved by the board.
(f) Meet other criteria as established by the board.
II. The scope of practice of a licensed social worker shall be the screening, assessment, treatment planning, and treatment of mental health conditions as defined in this section as follows:
(a) The performance of clinical evaluation including the screening and assessment of mental health disorders, the assessment and identification of symptoms of co-occurring mental health disorders and differential diagnosis indicators, and the development of preliminary mental health disorder diagnoses for further assessment and confirmation by an appropriate professional. This includes severity assessment and assessment of dangerousness to self or others.
(b) The performance of treatment planning and case management referrals including co-occurring substance use disorders and medical conditions, case management and service coordination including implementation of treatment plans, consultation, coordination of care with mental health and other community providers, ongoing assessment of progress and needs, and client advocacy, education, and documentation.
(c) The performance of counseling, including:
(1) Individual, group, family, and significant other counseling; and
(2) Crisis prevention and intervention to include enlisting the support of trained personnel to manage risk of harm to self or others.
(d) Adherence to professional and ethical responsibilities as determined by the board.
III. During the first 2 years of licensure, a licensed social worker may engage in practice only under clinical supervision of a licensed clinical social worker, a licensed mental health counselor, a master licensed drug and alcohol counselor, a psychiatric APRN, or a licensed mental health provider approved by the board. The supervising clinician shall sign off on any clinical diagnostic assessment and treatment plan established by a licensed social worker.

Please review New Hampshire’s Board of Mental Health Practice website for information about obtaining licensure.

Office of Professional Licensure and Certification
121 South Fruit Street
Concord, NH 03301
Phone: (603) 271-2152
Contact: sheri.walsh@oplc.nh.gov

BSW: Western New Mexico University’s Bachelor of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of New Jersey and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

MSW: Western New Mexico University’s Master’s of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of New Jersey and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

New Jersey Requirements

There are three levels of certification or licensure for social workers:

• Certified Social Worker (C.S.W.) – provides social work services, such as assessment, consultation and counseling, planning and community organization, policy and research, administration, and client-centered advocacy.
• Licensed Social Worker (L.S.W.) – may provide all of the social work services mentioned above, plus clinical social work services, (when supervised by a Licensed Clinical Social Worker).
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (L.C.S.W.) – may provide all of the social work and clinical social work services mentioned above, and may engage in clinical supervision of individuals.

Certified Social Worker Requirements (C.S.W.):

• A completed application form: Start Online Application
• The application fee set forth inJ.A.C. 13:44G-14.1; (this is assessed when you have completed the online application form).
• An official transcript indicating that that the applicant has received a baccalaureate degree in social work from an educational program accredited, or in candidacy for accreditation, by the Council on Social Work Education; sent directly from your school to: DCA_Social_Work_No_Reply@dca.njoag.gov

or

• An official transcript indicating that the applicant acquired a baccalaureate degree prior to April 6, 1995, from an accredited institution of higher education in one of the following fields: Guidance and Counseling, Human Services, Marriage and Family Counseling, Psychology, Sociology, Vocational/Disability Rehabilitation, and Social Work (from institutions not accredited, or in candidacy for accreditation, by the Council on Social Work Education) and an affidavit or other form as the Board may require attesting to the applicant having acquired one year of full-time social work experience (1,600 hours in any consecutive 18-month period) prior to April 6, 1995 sent directly from your school to: DCA_Social_Work_No_Reply@dca.njoag.gov

Licensed Social Worker (LSW) Requirements:

Individuals applying to take the ASWB Master Exam must use the “Licensed Social Worker” application.
ASWB Masters examination eligibility is issued for a period of 1 year from the date of exam approval, and applicants may be required to update their documentation if an extension is required.

An applicant for LSW licensure as a social worker shall submit the following:

• A completed application form: Start Online Application
• The application fee set forth inJ.A.C. 13:44G-14.1; (this is assessed when you have completed the online application form).
• An official transcript indicating that the applicant has received a master’s degree in social work from an educational program accredited, or in candidacy for accreditation, by the Council on Social Work Education; or a doctorate in social work from an accredited institution of higher education; sent directly from your school to: DCA_Social_Work_No_Reply@dca.njoag.gov
• Proof of successful completion of the master’s level examination administered by the Association of Social Work Boards. Once you have passed the ASWB Master’s level examination, please do one of the following:
  • If taken in New Jersey: Upload your unofficial passing score report to your online profile through the Upload License Documents
  • If taken in another state: request an official ASWB score transfer.

If you have completed at least 40 graduate-level credits of an MSW degree or you are in the last semester of an advanced standing MSW program, you may be made eligible for the ASWB Masters Examination. Upon review of your application, you will receive an email approval letter with instructions on how to register for the ASWB Masters Examination.

To qualify to take the ASWB Masters Exam before you have had your MSW conferred:

• Complete the LSW application as described above.
• Have an official transcript showing you are in the final semester of your MSW program sent directly from your school to: DCA_Social_Work_No_Reply@dca.njoag.gov. (This is a no-reply email, you will not receive a response from this email address). Your school may also mail your transcript directly to us.
• Have your name included on a document sent from the MSW program Dean or registrar to the Executive Director of our Board, on official letterhead, that confirms you are one of the students who are in their final semester of the MSW program.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) requirements:

For purposes of this section, “two years of full-time clinical social work” means 3,000 hours under direct supervision pursuant to the standards set forth in N.J.A.C. 13:44G-8.1, subsequent to earning a master’s degree in social work. The 3,000 hours shall be completed in no less than two years and no more than four years. At least 1,920 hours of the 3,000 hours shall be in face-to-face client contact, and half of these 1,920 hours shall be in psychotherapeutic counseling. The other 1,080 hours can include time spent in supervision or other social work services.

An applicant for licensure as a clinical social worker shall submit the following, on forms provided by the Board:

• A completed application form, which requests information concerning the applicant’s educational and experiential background;
• A completed Certification and Authorization Form for a Criminal History Background Check. Upon receipt of the completed form and licensure / certification application, you will receive additional information and instructions about completing the background check.
• The application fee set forth in A.C.13:44G-14.1;
• An official transcript indicating that the applicant:
  1. Received a master’s degree in social work from an educational program accredited, or in candidacy for accreditation, by the Council on Social Work Education; or a doctorate degree in social work from an accredited institution of higher education;
  2. Completed 12 semester hours of graduate level course work in methods of clinical social work practice, exclusive of field placement, from an educational program accredited, or in candidacy for accreditation, by the Council on Social Work Education. The applicant shall obtain 12 credits in any of the following areas of study:
     1. Diagnosis and assessment in clinical social work practice;
     2. Models of psychotherapy or clinical practice (for example, psychodynamics, behavioral, cognitive therapies, task-centered, psychosocial,crisis intervention approaches, etc.) ;

• Clinical supervision and consultation; and/or
• Intervention with special populations.
• A supervisor’s certification, or the applicant’s affidavit in lieu of a supervisor’s certification, indicating that the applicant has acquired two years of full-time clinical social work experience under supervision within a period of not less than two, and not more than three, consecutive years;
• Proof that the applicant has successfully completed the clinical examination administered by the Association of Social Work Boards; and, If you have not taken the examination, apply for approval first by clicking HERE.
• Proof that the applicant was a licensed social worker at the time that the experience in (a) above was acquired, or proof that the applicant engaged in social work practice in a setting in which licensure is not required pursuant to S.A. 45:15BB-5.

Please review New Jersey’s Division of Consumer Affairs website for additional details about obtaining licensure.

State Board of Social Work Examiners
P.O. Box 45033
Newark, New Jersey 07101
Phone: (973) 504-6495

SocialWork@dca.njoag.gov

BSW: Western New Mexico University’s Bachelor of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of New Mexico and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

MSW: Western New Mexico University’s Master’s of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of New Mexico and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

New Mexico Requirements

Applicants for licensure as baccalaureate social worker must possess the following minimum qualifications:

The board shall issue a license as a baccalaureate social worker to any person who files a completed application, accompanied by the required fees, and who submits satisfactory evidence that the applicant:

1. be at least 18 years of age;
2. work education;
3. examination;
4. documents completion of the required course in New Mexico cultures.
5. provide proof of any disqualifying criminal convictions as defined in 16.63.13.9 NMAC. [16.63.9.8 NMAC – Rp, 16.63.9.8 NMAC, 3/13/2022]

Applicants for licensure as master social worker must:

1. be at least 18 years of age;
2. possess a master’s degree in social work from a graduate program of social work accredited by the council on social work education;
3. successfully pass the association of social work board examination and the jurisprudence
4. documents completion of the required course in New Mexico cultures.
5. provide proof of any disqualifying criminal convictions as defined in 16.63.13.9 NMAC. [16.63.10.8 NMAC – Rp, 16.63.10.8 NMAC, 3/13/2022]

Applicants for licensure as independent/clinical social workers must:

1. be at least 18 years of age;
2. possess an LMSW license;
3. complete not less than two years of post-graduate direct/ clinical social work experience, under appropriate supervision; as defined in 16.63.1.7 NMAC Applicants and supervisors will engage the process of supervision in accordance with the guidelines established by the board of social work examiners;
4. documents completion of the required course in New Mexico cultures; and
5. successfully pass the association of social work board examination, clinical or advanced, as determined by the board and the jurisprudence examination.
6. Individuals licensed as masters social workers (LMSW) and aspiring to achieve licensure at the independent clinical level must complete and document 3,600 hours of licensed masters level social work experience which has been accumulated over no more than a 60 month period.
7. Applicants for licensure must document 90 hours of supervision during this 3,600 hour period. (1) One hour of supervision must be documented for every 40 hours worked, (2) At least 70 of the 90 required hours must be obtained through direct supervision,   (3) No more than 20 hours of the 90 required hours may be obtained through group supervision and there shall be no more than six individuals per group at a time, and   (4) No more than 30 hours of the required 90 hours may be obtained through interdisciplinary supervision.  H. provide proof of any disqualifying criminal convictions as defined in 16.63.13.9 NMAC. [16.63.11.8 NMAC – Rp, 16.63.11.8 NMAC, 3/13/2022]

Please review New Mexico’s Regulations and Licensing Department website for additional details about obtaining licensure.

New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department
Toney Anaya Building
2550 Cerrillos Road
Santa Fe, NM 87505
Phone: (505) 476-4500

BSW: Currently, New York does not offer licensure at the Bachelor degree level. Western New Mexico University’s Bachelors of Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

MSW: Western New Mexico University’s Master’s of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of New York and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

*Please note: although WNMU School of Social of Social Work meets New York educational requirements as a CSWE-accredited program, licensure applicants who wish to work with children 16 years and younger may be required to take an additional 2-hour course on the identification and reporting of child abuse. This course may be taken online. The list of approved providers for this course can be found here: https://www.op.nysed.gov/about/training-continuing-education/child-abuse-identification-reporting

New York Requirements

To meet the professional education requirement for licensure as an LMSW, you must present satisfactory evidence of having received a masters degree in social work (M.S.W.), or its equivalent, (e.g., a higher degree from a social work program that is registered by the Department as licensure-qualifying, accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) or determined by the Department to be substantially equivalent to a registered program as defined in Sections 74.1 and 52.30 of the Commissioner’s Regulations.)

For education to be determined substantially equivalent, the applicant must present satisfactory evidence of having received a masters degree, or its equivalent, in social work through completion of a satisfactory graduate program in social work which includes two years of full-time study (at least 60 semester hours, or the equivalent), of graduate study. No more than half of the total semester hours for the program may be advanced standing credit granted for social work study at the baccalaureate level. The graduate program must include curricular content in the following areas:

• social work values and ethics;
• diversity, social justice, and at-risk populations;
• human behavior in the social environment;
• social welfare policy and service delivery systems;
• foundation and advanced social work practice;
• social work practice evaluation and research; and
• a field practicum of at least 900 clock hours in social work integrated with the prescribed curricular content.

In addition to the professional education requirement, every applicant for LMSW licensure or a limited permit must complete coursework or training in the identification and reporting of child abuse in accordance with Section 6507(3)(a) of the Education Law. See additional information and a list of approved providers for this training.

To meet the professional education requirement for licensure as an LCSW, you must present satisfactory evidence of having received a masters degree in social work, or its equivalent, through completion of a satisfactory graduate program in social work which includes two years of full-time study (at least 60 semester hours, or the equivalent). No more than half of the total hours for the program may be advanced standing credit granted for social work study at the baccalaureate level. The graduate program must include curricular content in the following areas:

• social work values and ethics;
• diversity, social justice, and at-risk populations;
• human behavior in the social environment;
• social welfare policy and service delivery systems;
• foundation and advanced social work practice;
• social work practice evaluation and research;
• a field practicum of at least 900 clock hours in social work integrated with the prescribed curricular content; and
• clinical coursework of at least 12 semester hours that prepares the individual to practice as an LCSW. The courses must include content that emphasizes the person-in-environment perspective and knowledge and skills in the following areas:
  • diagnosis and assessment in clinical social work practice;
  • clinical social work treatment; and
  • clinical social work practice with general and special populations.

The clinical coursework must be offered by an acceptable two-year graduate social work program, such as one registered by the Department as licensure-qualifying for the LCSW. Coursework may be completed either as part of the M.S.W. degree program or after completion of the program to remedy deficiencies in clinical content. Continuing education is not acceptable for the graduate social work education.

In addition to the professional education requirement, every applicant for LCSW licensure or a limited permit must complete coursework or training in the identification and reporting of child abuse in accordance with Section 6507(3)(a) of the Education Law. See additional information and a list of approved providers for this training.

Please review New York’s Office of the Professions website for information about obtaining licensure.

NY State Education Department
Office of the Professions
Division of Professional Licensing Services –Social Work Unit
89 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12234-1000
Phone: (518) 474-3817 (ext. 592)

Contact information for Social Work:

Evan Seiden Executive Secretary.

Email: swbd@nysed.gov,

Phone: 518-474-3817, Press 1 then ext. 450, Fax: 518-486-2981

BSW: Western New Mexico University’s Bachelor of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of North Carolina and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

MSW: Western New Mexico University’s Master’s of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of North Carolina and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

North Carolina Requirements

LEVEL A – CERTIFIED SOCIAL WORKER (CSW)

• EDUCATION: BSW from CSWE accredited undergraduate school.
• EXAMINATION: ASWB Bachelor level
• EXPERIENCE: No prior experience required.
• APPLICATION FEE: $115
• BIENNIAL RENEWAL: $70 and documentation of 40 clock hours of CE (4 in ethics) every 2 years.

LEVEL B – CERTIFIED MASTER SOCIAL WORKER (CMSW)

• EDUCATION: MSW, DSW, or PhD in social work from CSWE accredited school.
• EXAMINATION: ASWB Master level examination or ACSW examination.
• EXPERIENCE: No prior experience required.
• APPLICATION FEE: $115
• BIENNIAL RENEWAL: $90 and documentation of 40 clock hours of CE (4 in ethics) every 2 years.

• LEVEL C – LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER (LCSW) – [MANDATORY for clinical practice]
  • EDUCATION: MSW, DSW or PhD in social work from CSWE accredited school.
  • EXAMINATION: ASWB Clinical level
  • EXPERIENCE: Minimum of 3,000 hours of post MSW paid clinical employment appropriately supervised clinical practice) accumulated in no less than two (2) years, nor more than six (6) years.
  • SUPERVISION: Minimum of 100 hours of supervision from a LCSW, MSW with an additional 2 years post LCSW clinical social work practice, on a regular basis: at least one (1) hour of supervision for every thirty (30) hours of clinical practice. A maximum of twenty-five (25) hours may be group supervision.
  • APPLICATION FEE: $115
  • BIENNIAL RENEWAL: $150 and documentation of 40 clock hours (4 in ethics) every 2 years.

LEVEL C – LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER ASSOCIATE (LCSWA) – For social workers who have not satisfied the experience requirements for LCSW licensure. [For more information, refer to the LCSW ASSOCIATE LICENSE tab.]

• EDUCATION: MSW, DSW, or PhD in social work from a CSWE accredited school.
• EXAMINATION: None required for initial licensure; however, LCSWA licensees must pass the ASWB Clinical level exam within their initial licensure period to be eligible for renewal if additional time is required to satisfy the 2 years/3000 hours of supervised clinical experience needed for LCSW licensure.
• EXPERIENCE: While no experience is required to receive this license, associate licensees must document their supervision and practice to the Board every 6 months as required by regulation. Acceptable experience must be post MSW paid clinical employment.
• APPLICATION FEE: $115
• BIENNIAL RENEWAL: $140 and documentation of 40 clock hours of CE (4 in ethics) every 2 years, but cannot exceed 6 years (2 renewal cycles).

LEVEL H – CERTIFIED SOCIAL WORK MANAGER (CSWM)

• EDUCATION: BSW, MSW, DSW, or PhD in Social Work from a CSWE accredited school.
• EXAMINATION: ASWB Advanced Generalist level examination
• EXPERIENCE: Three thousand (3,000) hours of post degree paid employment accumulated in no less than two (2) years, no more than six (6) years.
• SUPERVISION: Minimum of 100 hours of supervision on a regular basis, by a Social Work Administrator certified by the Board on at least one level and who has a minimum of five years administration experience in a Social Work or Mental Health setting. A maximum of fifty (50) hours may be through group supervision.
• APPLICATION FEE: $115
• BIENNIAL RENEWAL: $150 and documentation of 40 clock hours (4 in ethics) every 2 years.

Please review North Carolina’s Social Work and Certification Licensure Board website for additional details about obtaining licensure.

North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board
P.O. Box 1043
Asheboro, NC 27204
Phone: (336) 625-1679
Contact: mlilly@ncswboard.org

BSW: Western New Mexico University’s Bachelor of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of North Dakota and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

MSW: Western New Mexico University’s Master’s of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of North Dakota and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

North Dakota Requirements for LBSW Licensure:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited college or university or a Canadian college or university accredited by Canadian Association for Social Work Education. The degree must be in social work as required by N.D.C.C. 43-41-04: Licenses – Law:  North Dakota State Law Chapter 43-41. No other degree will be accepted.

• Passing score on the ASWB Bachelor’s level exam.
• Before 8/1/2019, this level was known as the LSW level and may still be reflected as such on some forms and information as we work to update them.

North Dakota Requirements for LMSW Licensure

• Master’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited college or university or a Canadian college or university accredited by Canadian Association for Social Work Education. The degree must be in social work; no other degree will be accepted!

• Passing score on the ASWB Master’s level exam.
• Before 8/1/2019, this level was known as the LCSW level and may still be reflected as such on some forms and information as we work to update them. The LCSW is now the clinical level.

North Dakota Requirements for LCSW Licensure (Clinical Level)

• Master’s or higher degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited (http://www.cswe.org/Accreditation/Accredited-Programs.aspx) college or university or a Canadian college or university accredited by Canadian Association for Social Work Education (http://caswe-acfts.ca/members/institutional/). The degree must be in social work; no other degree will be accepted!

• Passing score on the ASWB Clinical level exam.
• 3000 hours of supervised clinical social work practice completed within a 4-year, post-Master’s degree period.

Please review North Dakota’s Board of Social Work Examiners website for additional details about obtaining licensure.

ND Board of Social Work Examiners
P.O. Box 914
Bismarck, ND 58502-0914

Phone: 701-391-7005
Email: info@ndboardofsocialwork.com

BSW: Western New Mexico University’s Bachelor of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of Ohio and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

MSW: Western New Mexico University’s Master’s of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of Ohio and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

LSW License Instructions

Education Requirement

Complete a bachelor’s, masters, or doctorate degree in social work from an accredited program. Degrees in other fields (“related degrees”) are no longer eligible for licensure.  If you are in the final semester of a social work program, you may apply and start the process at any time.

Steps toward Licensure (ALL steps must be completed before your license can be issued):

The first step for licensure is to complete the LSW application online and pay the $80 application fee (plus a $3.50 processing fee) on the eLicense Site.

As part of this application, you will also be requesting approval to take the licensure examination. Bachelor’s-level graduates, or those who are enrolled in the final term of a Bachelor’s program, are required to take the Bachelor’s exam. Master’s-level graduates, or those who are enrolled in the final term of a Master’s program, are required to take the Master’s exam.  Be prepared to attach a copy of your diploma indicating the social work degree awarded, a letter of good standing detailing your anticipated degree and graduation date (if you have not yet graduated), or an unofficial transcript showing the degree conferred. Please note: An official transcript showing the degree conferred must be received by the Board prior to the issuance of the LSW. 

Requirements for Letters of Good Standing

If you are currently enrolled in the FINAL semester of your Social Work program, then a letter of good standing would need to be submitted. A letter of good standing may be obtained from your Social Work program office. The letter must be signed by your social work program director or designee. The letter should be on your school’s letterhead and saved as a PDF, or a PDF copy of an email that you received that was sent directly to you from your program director or designee that states the following:

• The student’s First and Last name
• The type of degree being earned and should specify that your major is Social Work
• Date of anticipated program completion, and/or a statement confirming that you are currently in the final semester of program completion
• A statement that confirms that you are in good academic standing

The remaining steps for licensure can be completed in any order.

Documents required for completing your LSW licensure file:

• LSW application with fee
• ASWB exam results showing a passing score
• Watch the Board’s online Laws and Rules video
• BCI and FBI background check
• Official Transcript showing your conferred degree

Once you are licensed, you will receive an email from the board indicating that you may now call yourself an LSW. A wall certificate will be attached to this email, which you may print and display in your workplace.

LISW-S Requirements

• One year post licensure experience as an Ohio LISW, or independent licensee in another state
• Complete at least nine hours of supervision continuing education units, which were earned AFTER your independent license was issued; or complete a master’s level social work supervision course from an accredited university (must have been completed within the last three years)

Please note: All continuing education units shall be Board approved and relate to supervision. See rule 4757-23-01(E)(3)(b) at http://codes.ohio.gov/oac/4757-23-01 for content areas and learning objectives of appropriate supervision CEUs.

Instructions

• Log onto the Board’s e-License system and apply for the Supervision Endorsement.
• Once you log in, go to your License Tile and click the Options button, then select “apply for an endorsement” from the drop-down menu.
• Attached a PDF that includes the completed supervision continuing education certificates. A CE Broker transcript showing the completed supervision continuing education hours may be substituted for the certificates.

All supervising independent social workers shall maintain supervisory status by obtaining three hours of social work professional standard committee approved continuing professional education in supervision or a master’s level course in supervision each renewal period.

SW Trainee License Instructions

The Social Work Trainee registration is for students who are enrolled in a master’s-level social work field education internship/practicum course.  This registration allows students to work as a social worker during their internship.  If you are already licensed as an LSW, do not apply for SWT.

The first step is to complete the SWT application online. You will need to register and create a User ID and password to access the e-License system. Once you’ve registered, complete the application for Social Work Trainee

With this application, you will attach proof of enrollment in a master’s level field education internship/practicum  course. Your program must either be accredited or in candidacy status by the CSWE.  Proof of enrollment may include either:

1. a) a copy of your college or university course schedule for the current or upcoming term, showing your enrollment in a social work field education course. The uploaded PDF copy of your schedule must include your name, the college or university name or logo, the complete course title, e.g. “Advanced Field Education”, and the start and end date of the course or term. Pictures of computer screens or screenshots are not acceptable; or
2. b) a signed letter, or email, from the instructor of your field education internship/practicum course or social work department head/advisor stating that you are enrolled in a field education internship/practicum course. The uploaded letter (on college or university letterhead) or email should include the start and end dates of the term.

If any of the above information is not included in the proof of enrollment, it will be rejected and must be resubmitted to include the above information.

Note: program acceptance letters and general enrollment verification documents are not sufficient proof enrollment in a field education internship/practicum course.

The second step is to complete BCI and FBI criminal records checks. Print the BCI & FBI Instructions and take them with you to your local police, sheriff’s department, department of motor vehicles, or other WebCheck location.

If you have previously completed a background check through your agency, unfortunately the Board cannot accept a copy of that. Background check results must come directly from the BCI&I.  You can either complete a new BCI and FBI check, or have your BCI resubmitted and then complete a new FBI. See details on how to re-submit the results of previously-completed BCI background checks.

FBI checks can’t be resubmitted and will need to be repeated.  It will take at least 45-60 days for the Board to receive a re-submitted BCI check, while a new one should be received much more quickly.

For applicants with a criminal record

Along with your online application, you will be required to provide a complete explanation of the underlying circumstances with sufficient rehabilitation evidence, and a certified copy of the court documents (judgment entry) related to your conviction. Applicants are required under law to report all misdemeanor and felony convictions, with the exception of minor traffic violations (DUI/OVI charges are NOT considered traffic violations, and must be reported as criminal convictions). Failure to report any police record is falsification of an application and is grounds for denial.  Please be aware that if you have a conviction, your BCI/FBI checks may take up to 30 days to be received by the Board.  Your file may also require additional review by the Board before your SWT is approved.

Once all items are received and your registration is processed, you will receive an email from the board indicating that you may now call yourself an SWT.

Please review Ohio’s Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board website for additional details about obtaining licensure.

Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage & Family Therapist Board

For General Inquiries: (614) 466-0912

Fax Number: (614) 728-7790

General Email: cswmft.info@cswb.ohio.gov

Mailing Address:

Counselor Social Worker & Marriage and Family Therapist Board

77 S High St 24th Floor, Room 2468

Columbus, OH 43215

Hours: 8:30 AM-4:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

BSW: Western New Mexico University’s Bachelor of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of Oklahoma and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

MSW: Western New Mexico University’s Master’s of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of Oklahoma and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Oklahoma Licensing requirements

675:10-1-1.2. Requirements for Licensed Clinical Social Worker  The Board shall authorize the issuance of licenses to persons who qualify as follows:

(1)  as a LCSW who has a master’s degree in social work from a Board approved social work program and has two (2) years of full-time post degree experience or the equivalent thereto of part-time experience, a total of 4,000 hours, of experience in the practice of clinical social work under professional supervision of a licensed clinical social worker which includes 3000 hours of direct client contact.  Direct client contact may include any activities directly associated with the provisions of treatment for a client.  Direct client contact does not include administrative activities, travel to/from meetings, training, etc.  This experience shall include at least 100 hours of face-to-face educational supervision by the supervisor.  Ratings on the final evaluations completed by supervisor(s) must document performance at a level meeting or exceeding expectations as defined on the forms approved by the Board, in all areas of evaluation,

(2) passed the examination provided for under the provisions of Section 675:10-1-10, and

(3) is of good moral character.

675:10-1-1.3.  Requirements for Licensed Master’s Social Worker

The Board shall authorize the issuance of licenses to persons who qualify as follows:

(1)  as a Licensed Social Worker who has a master’s degree in social work from a Board approved social work program,

(2)  passed the examination provided for under the provisions of Section 675:10-1-10, and

(3)  is of good moral character.

675:10-1-2. Requirements for Licensed Social Worker

The Board shall authorize the issuance of licenses to persons who qualify as follows:

(1)  as a Licensed Social Worker who has a master’s degree in social work from a Board approved social work program and has two (2) years of full-time post degree experience or the equivalent thereto of part-time experience, a total of 4,000 hours, of experience in the practice of social work under professional supervision of a licensed clinical social worker or licensed social worker with administration specialty.  This experience shall include at least 100 hours of face-toface educational supervision by the supervisor.  Ratings on the final evaluations completed by supervisor(s) must document performance at a level meeting or exceeding expectations as defined on the forms approved by the Board, in all areas of evaluation,

(2)  passed the examination provided for under the provisions of Section 675:10-1-10, and

(3)  is of good moral character.

675:10-1-2.1.  Requirements for Licensed Social Worker-Administration 

The Board shall authorize the issuance of licenses to persons who qualify as follows:

(1) as a LSW-Adm who has a master’s degree in social work from a Board approved social work program and has two (2) years of full-time post degree experience or the equivalent thereto of part-time experience, a total of 4,000 hours of experience in the administrative practice of social work under professional supervision of a licensed social worker with administration specialty. This experience shall include at least 100 hours of face-to-face educational supervision by the supervisor.  Ratings on the final evaluations completed by supervisor(s) must document performance at a level meeting or exceeding expectations as defined on the forms approved by the Board, in all areas of evaluation,

(2) passed the examination provided for under the provisions of Section 675:10-1-10, and

(3) is of good moral character.

675:10-1-3. Requirements for Licensed Social Work Associate

The Board shall authorize the issuance of licenses to persons who qualify as follows:

(1) as a Licensed Social Work Associate who has a baccalaureate degree in social work from a Board approved social work program,

(2) passed the examination provided for under the provisions of Section 675:10-1-10, and

(3)  is of good moral character.

Please review Oklahoma’s Board of Licensed Social Workers website for additional details about obtaining licensure.

3700 Classen Boulevard, Suite 162
Oklahoma City, OK 73118

Email: info@oswb.ok.gov

Hours of availability

Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm

Closed on holidays

BSW: Western New Mexico University’s Bachelor of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of Oregon and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

MSW: Western New Mexico University’s Master’s of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of Oregon and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Non- Clinical Licenses

REGISTRATION AS A BACCALAUREATE SOCIAL WORKER AND LICENSURE AS A MASTER’S SOCIAL WORKER

877-015-0108
Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for initial certificate of registration or license, an applicant must meet the requirements in sections (1) through (6) of this rule:

(1) The applicant must submit a complete and accurate application on a form provided by the board.

(2)(a) The applicant must hold the degree described in sub-section (b) of this section from a college or university accredited by or considered in candidacy status by a credentialing body recognized by the board. The Council on Social Work Education and the Canadian Association for Social Work Education are recognized by the Board. The Board accepts determinations of equivalency of foreign degrees by the Council on Social Work Education’s International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Service. Submission of proof of foreign degree equivalency and cost of the foreign degree equivalency determination are the responsibility of the applicant.

(b) The degree required for initial:

(A) registration as a baccalaureate social worker is a baccalaureate degree in social work; and

(B) licensure as a master’s social worker is a master’s degree in social work.

(3) The applicant must be fit to practice social work in Oregon. The board uses the following standard and procedure to make a fitness determination:

(a) To be fit to practice social work in Oregon, the applicant must have demonstrated and must currently have good moral character as defined by the Board in rule and a personal history of conduct that is consistent with the standards contained in Division 30 of this chapter of rules.

(b) In the event the applicant’s history includes conduct that may call into question the applicant’s fitness, the board will consider, if made available by the applicant, the amount of time elapsed since the conduct and the applicant’s relevant conduct since the questioned conduct, including remedial or compensatory actions taken by the applicant, if appropriate.

(4) The applicant must be fit to practice social work in Oregon. In making this fitness determination, the board will consider whether the applicant is subject of an investigation or disciplinary action by a licensing board and the reasons for the action.

(5) The applicant must pass the following examination administered by the Association of Social Work Boards:

(a) For registration as a baccalaureate social worker, the bachelor’s level examination.

(b) For licensure as a master’s social worker, the master’s level examination.

(6) The applicant must achieve a score of 90 percent on the examination on the Oregon BLSW statutes and rules prepared by the board on:

(a) The contents of ORS 675.510 to 675.600 and OAR chapter 877, which are the Oregon BLSW statutes and administrative rules governing regulated social work.

(b) Oregon Revised Statutes relating to mental health practice that may be relevant to regulated social work.

Clinical Licensure 

Clinical Social Work Associate (CSWA)

The first step in obtaining a clinical license.

You will need a CSWA in Oregon if you:

• Have an MSW

• Are an MSW currently under supervision in another state.

• Are a newly licensed clinical social worker in another state that has not met the Oregon licensure requirements.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

You qualify to be an LCSW if you:

• Are currently or previously licensed in another state.

• Meet the following LCSW requirements:

• 3500 hours post MSW experience

• 2000 of those hours are direct client

• 100 hours of supervision with at least 50 being individual.

• a minimum of 24 months of supervised experience.

• Have passed the ASWB clinical level exam.
• Have an MSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker  (LCSW) Exam Candidate

The LCSW Candidate is offered to an applicant who otherwise meets our LCSW requirements except has not passed the ASWB Clinical exam. THIS IS NOT A LICENSE TO PRACTICE, and you will not receive a license or license number until after you pass the ASWB exam. Should you need to practice prior to passing the exam, you will need to apply for the CSWA and do so under the supervision of a licensed clinical social worker. This candidacy will allow you to register and schedule the exam with ASWB.

You qualify to be an LCSW Exam Candidate if you:

• Are currently or previously licensed in another state

• Have met Oregon LCSW Requirements:

• 3500 hours post MSW experience

• 2000 of those hours are direct client

• 100 hours of supervision with at least 50 being individual.

• a minimum of 24 months of supervised experience.

• Have an MSW

• NEED TO TAKE AND PASS THE ASWB CLINICAL EXAM

Please review Oregon’s Board of Licensed Social Workers website for additional details about obtaining licensure.

Oregon Board of Licensed Social Workers
3218 Pringle Rd SE Ste. 240
Salem, OR 97302-6310
Phone: (503) 378-5735
Contact: Oregon.blsw@oregon.gov

BSW: Western New Mexico University’s Bachelor of Social Work meets provisional professional licensure standards for the state of Pennsylvania if a student acquires 3 years of supervised experience and is enrolled in a Master of Social Work program. Western New Mexico University’s Bachelor of Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

MSW: Western New Mexico University’s Master’s of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of Pennsylvania and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Pennsylvania Requirements

• 47.12b. Provisional license as a social worker.
• To be issued a license to hold oneself out as a social worker with a provisional license, an applicant shall provide proof satisfactory to the Board, that the applicant has met the following conditions:
  • Satisfied the general requirements for licensure of §  47.12 (relating to qualifications for licensure).
  • Received a bachelor’s degree in social work from a school of social work or social welfare accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and has 3 years full time cumulative experience, under the supervision of a social worker who has graduated with a master’s degree in social work or social welfare from a school which was an accredited school on the date the degree was awarded or who possesses a doctoral degree in social work.
  • Offered proof of current enrollment in a master’s degree program at a school of social work or social welfare accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
  • Passed the provisional license examination requirement set forth in §  47.11 (relating to licensure examination).
• A provisional licensee while working as a social worker with a current provisional license, shall associate himself with a licensed social worker or other social worker who qualifies under the act and this chapter. The provisional licensee shall be under the supervision and direction of the licensed social worker or other social worker who qualifies under section 7(b)(2) of the act (63 P. S. §  1907(b)(2)).
• An applicant may not be issued more than three provisional licenses. A provisional license has a 2-year duration.
• If a provisional licensee discontinues his education to obtain a master’s degree in social work or social welfare from an accredited school, the provisional licensee shall notify the Board in writing of the licensee’s discontinuance and return to the Board any provisional license.
• 47.12a. Licensed social worker.
• To be issued a license to hold oneself out as a licensed social worker, an applicant shall provide proof satisfactory to the Board, that the applicant has met the following conditions:
  • Satisfied the general requirements for licensure of §  47.12 (relating to qualifications for licensure).
  • Received a master’s degree in social work or social welfare from a school which was an accredited school on the date the degree was awarded or a doctoral degree in social work.
  • Passed the examination required by §  47.11 (relating to licensure examination).
• Students who graduate from social work or social welfare master’s degree programs that are in candidacy for accreditation at the time of their graduation may apply for licensure when the program obtains accreditation.
• An applicant who is a graduate of a foreign school shall submit to the Board an evaluation of foreign credentials performed by the Council on Social Work Education, which assesses the foreign credentials to be the equivalent of the curriculum policy of an accredited graduate school during the same time period, to be considered as meeting the requirements of having earned a master’s degree in social work or social welfare from an accredited school.
• If an applicant has a graduate or an equivalent degree or certificate in social work or social welfare, which was granted prior to July 1, 1952, the Board will review the complete application individually.
• 47.12c. Licensed clinical social worker.
• Conditions for licensure. To be issued a license to hold oneself out as a licensed clinical social worker, an applicant shall provide proof satisfactory to the Board, that the applicant has met the following conditions:
  • Satisfied the general requirements for licensure of §  47.12 (relating to qualifications for licensure).
  • Holds a master’s degree in social work or social welfare or a doctoral degree in social work from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. An applicant who is a graduate of a foreign school shall submit to the Board an evaluation of foreign credentials performed by the Council on Social Work Education, which assesses the foreign credentials to be the equivalent of the curriculum policy of an accredited graduate school during the same time period, to be considered as meeting the requirements of having earned a master’s degree in social work or social welfare from an accredited school.
  • Is licensed under the act as a social worker.
  • Passed the examination required under §  47.11 (relating to licensure examination).
  • Has completed at least 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience meeting the criteria in subsection (b) after completion of the master’s degree in social work or holds an Academy of Certified Social Workers Certificate issued by the National Association of Social Workers prior to January 1, 2001. Supervision for the clinical experience shall be provided by a supervisor as defined in § §  47.1 and 47.1a (relating to definitions; and qualifications for supervisors).
• Supervised clinical experience. Experience acceptable to the Board means experience as a supervisee in a setting that is organized to prepare the applicant for the practice of clinical social work consistent with the applicant’s education and training, and conforms to the following:
  • At least 1/2 of the experience shall consist of providing services in one or more of the following areas:
    • Assessment
    • Psychotherapy
    • Other psychosocial-therapeutic interventions.
    • Consultation
    • Family therapy.
    • Group therapy.
  • Supervision for the clinical experience shall be provided by a supervisor as defined in § §  47.1 and 47.1a. However, at least 1/2 of the required hours shall be supervised by a supervisor meeting the qualifications in §  47.1a(1) and (3).
  • A supervisee shall disclose his status as a supervisee to each patient and obtain written permission to discuss the patient’s case with the supervisor.
  • The supervisor shall oversee, direct, recommend and instruct the clinical social work activities of the supervisee.
• A supervisor who is temporarily unable to provide supervision shall designate another supervisor as a substitute.
• Although the supervisor shall continue to bear the ultimate responsibility for supervision, those to whom supervisory responsibilities are delegated shall be individually responsible for activities of the supervisee performed under their supervision.
  • The supervisor, or one to whom supervisory responsibilities have been delegated, shall meet with the supervisee for a minimum of 2 hours for every 40 hours of supervised clinical experience. At least 1 of the 2 hours shall be with the supervisee individually and in person, and 1 of the 2 hours may be with the supervisee in a group setting and in person.
  • A supervisor shall supervise no more than 6 supervisees at the same time. If this provision creates an undue hardship on a supervisee, the supervisor and supervisee may request an exception to this provision. The request shall state, in writing, the reasons why this provision creates a hardship on the supervisee and why the supervisee is not able to obtain a supervisor who meets the requirements of this provision. Before making a determination, the Board may require a personal appearance by the supervisee and supervisor.
  • A supervisor who wishes to terminate supervision during the training period shall give the supervisee 2 weeks written notice to enable the supervisee to obtain another qualified supervisor. A supervisor may not terminate supervision when termination would result in abandonment of the supervisee’s client/patient.
  • Supervised work activity will be counted toward satisfying the experience requirement only if it takes place in a single setting for either, first, at least 30 hours per week but no more than 50 hours per week during at least a 3 month period or, second, at least 15 hours per week for a period of at least 6 months.
  • The supervised clinical experience shall be completed in no less than 2 years and no more than 6 years, except that at least 500 hours and no more than 1,800 hours may be credited in any 12-month period.

Please carefully review Pennsylvania’s Professional Licensing website for additional details about obtaining licensure.

State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors
P.O. Box 2649
Harrisburg, Pa 17105-2649
Phone: (717) 783-1389
Contact: ST-SOCIALWORK@PA.GOV

BSW: Currently, Rhode Island does not offer licensure at the Bachelor degree level. Western New Mexico University’s Bachelor of Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

MSW: Western New Mexico University’s Master’s of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of Rhode Island and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Rhode Island Requirements

1. Individuals who have attained a Master of Social Work degree from an accredited college or university are exempt from licensure for a period of eighteen (18) months from the date of graduation, provided that the individual meets all of the following conditions:

7.4.2Qualifications for Licensure

A.Any applicant for licensure shall submit to the Board written evidence on forms furnished by the Department, verified by oath that said applicant meets all of the following requirements:

1.Prerequisites – “Licensed clinical social worker” – A license as a “licensed clinical social worker” is issued to an applicant who meets the following qualifications:

a.Has graduated with a doctorate in clinical social work from a duly accredited college or university or has graduated with a master’s degree from a school of social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, and

b.After August 15, 2025, has satisfactorily completed a national examination at the appropriate level for this license as specified in § 7.4.3(A)(5)(a) of this Part.

2.Prerequisites – “Licensed independent clinical social worker” – A license for a “licensed independent clinical social worker” is issued to an applicant who meets the following qualifications:

a.Is licensed under the Act as a “licensed clinical social worker”; and

b.Has twenty-four (24) months of experience acceptable to the Board, which experience shall only be acceptable if the applicant was licensed as a licensed clinical social worker (if required in the jurisdiction where the experience was attained) and under appropriate supervision; and

c.Has fulfilled the continuing education requirements for this license; and

7. Has satisfactorily completed a national examination at the appropriate level for this license as specified in § 7.4.3(A)(5)(b) of this Part.

*There have been amendments to the Rhode Island Social Work Statute, effective late June 2022. Pursuant to the amended Social Work Statute, passing the national exam administered by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) is not currently required for the Clinical Social Work (CSW) license and will not be required until at least August 15, 2025.

Please review Rhode Island’s Department of Health website for information about obtaining licensure.

Department of Health
Licensing Unit
Room 105A
3 Capitol Hill
Providence, RI 02908
Phone: (401) 222-5960

BSW: Western New Mexico University’s Bachelor of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of South Carolina and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

MSW: Western New Mexico University’s Master’s of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of South Carolina and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

South Carolina Requirements

The Board shall admit an applicant for licensure examination if the applicant:

Is at least twenty-one years of age

Has the appropriate social work degree from a CSWE accredited program or from a social work program whose standards are substantially similar

Successfully passes an examination prescribed by the Board

Specific Education Requirements:

An applicant must meet the following requirements to sit for an exam:

LBSW – Bachelor’s degree in social work

LMSW – Master’s degree in social work

LISW-CP– Master’s degree in social work plus forty-five academic contact hours each of psychopathology and psychodiagnostics from a CSWE  accredited program or from a social work program whose standards are substantially similar, and

Satisfactory completion of three thousand hours of social work practice under clinical supervision in accordance with prescribed standards, or equivalent supervised experience in the practice of Clinical Social Work as determined by the Board.

LISW-AP – Master’s degree in social work plus ninety academic contact hours of course work in advanced social work practice with communities and organizations, and

Satisfactory completion of three thousand hours of social work practice under advanced practice supervision in accordance with prescribed standards, or equivalent supervised experience in the practice of advanced practice social work as determined by the Board.

Please review South Carolina’s Labor Licensing Regulation website for additional details about obtaining licensure.

Social Work Examiners
Contact.SocialWork@llr.sc.gov
Tel: (803) 896-4664

BSW: Western New Mexico University’s Bachelor of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of South Dakota and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

MSW: Western New Mexico University’s Master’s of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of South Dakota and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

South Dakota Requirements

Social Work Associate

• Baccalaureate degree in a nonsocial work field or discipline or an associate of arts degree in the human services in a program approved by the Board from a junior college, college, or university approved by the Board ; and
• Passed an examination prepared by the Board for this purpose.

Social Workers

• Baccalaureate degree in a social work or social welfare program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education; or
• Passed an examination prepared by the Board for this purpose.

Certified Social Worker

• Doctorate or master’s degree from a school of social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education; and
• Passed an examination prepared by the Board for this purpose.

Certified Social Worker in Private or Independent Practice

• Licensed under this chapter (SDCL 36-26) as a certified social worker (for a minimum of two years),
• 2 years of experience under appropriate supervision in the field of specialization in which the applicant will practice (e.g. psychotherapy, community organization, or planning); and
• Passed an examination prepared by the Board for this purpose.

Please review South Dakota’s Board of Social Work Examiners website for additional details about obtaining licensure.

Board of Social Work Examiners
Brooke Tellinghuisen Geddes
Executive Director
810 N. Main St. Suite 298
Spearfish, SD 57783
Phone: 605.642.1600
Fax: 605.722.1006
Email: office@sdlicensing.com

BSW: Western New Mexico University’s Bachelor of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of Tennessee and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

MSW: Western New Mexico University’s Master’s of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of Tennessee and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Tennessee Requirements

Baccalaureate Social Worker by examination.

(a) An applicant for a license as a baccalaureate social worker shall submit the following to the Board office:

1. Completed application on a form prescribed by the Board, which shall include, but not be limited to disclosures of the following: (i) Criminal conviction(s), except for traffic violations; 5 June, 2022 (Revised) GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS CHAPTER 1365-01 (Rule 1365-01-.04, continued) (ii) (iii)
2. Denial, loss, restriction, or discipline of licensure privileges imposed by a state licensing board; and Civil suit judgment or adverse civil settlement involving the applicant. Payment of the application, license, and state regulatory fees; 3. 4. 5. 6. (2) A passport-style photograph taken within twelve (12) months preceding the date the application is submitted to the Board office; Results of the applicant’s criminal background check to be sent from the vendor identified in the Board’s application materials directly to the Board office; An official transcript showing a bachelor’s degree in social work from the applicant’s educational institution to be submitted directly from the institution to the Board office. The institution must be accredited by the Council on Social Work Education at the time the degree was granted; and Proof the applicant has successfully passed the Association of Social Work Board’s bachelor’s licensing examination.

Master’s Social Worker by examination.

(a) (3) An applicant for a license as a master’s social worker shall submit the following to the Board office: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Completed application on a form prescribed by the Board, which shall include, but not be limited to disclosures of the following: (i) (ii) (iii) Criminal conviction(s), except for traffic violations; Denial, loss, restriction, or discipline of licensure privileges imposed by a state licensing board; and Civil suit judgment or adverse civil settlement involving the applicant. Payment of the application, license, and state regulatory fees; A passport-style photograph taken within twelve (12) months preceding the date the application is submitted to the Board office; Results of the applicant’s criminal background check to be sent from the vendor identified in the Board’s application materials directly to the Board office; An official transcript showing a master’s or doctorate degree in social work from the applicant’s educational institution to be submitted directly from the institution to the Board office. The institution must be accredited by the Council on Social Work Education at the time the degree was granted; and   Proof the applicant has successfully passed the Association of Social Work Board’s master’s licensing examination.

Advanced Practice Social Worker by examination.

(a) An applicant for a license as an advanced practice social worker shall submit the following to the Board office: 6 June, 2022 (Revised)  GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS  CHAPTER 1365-01 (Rule 1365-01-.04, continued) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Completed application on a form prescribed by the Board, which shall include, but not be limited to disclosures of the following: (i) (ii) (iii) Criminal conviction(s), except for traffic violations; Denial, loss, restriction, or discipline of licensure privileges imposed by a state licensing board; and Civil suit judgment or adverse civil settlement involving the applicant. Payment of the application, license, and state regulatory fees; A passport-style photograph taken within twelve (12) months preceding the date the application is submitted to the Board office; Results of the applicant’s criminal background check to be sent from the vendor identified in the Board’s application materials directly to the Board office; An official transcript showing a master’s or doctorate degree in social work from the applicant’s educational institution to be submitted directly from the institution to the Board office. The institution must be accredited by the Council on Social Work Education at the time the degree was granted;  Proof the applicant has successfully passed the Association of Social Work Board’s advanced generalist licensing examination; and Proof the applicant has practiced for no less than two (2) years after the date of application as a licensed master’s social worker or temporarily licensed master’s social worker under the supervision of a licensed advanced practice social worker or licensed clinical social worker who has met the qualifications set forth in rule 1365-01-.08.  In the event that the applicant is from another state, then the applicant must have worked under the supervision of a person who possesses or exceeds the educational and experience requirements necessary to obtain licensure as an advance practice social worker in Tennessee.  Within a period of no less than (2) years nor greater than eight (8) years from the date the application is received, the applicant shall demonstrate proof of having obtained the following: (i) (ii) (iii) Licensure as a temporarily licensed master’s social worker or as a licensed master’s social worker obtained prior to filing an application for licensure and/or beginning a supervised advanced practice experience for the purpose of licensure.  A photocopy of the applicant’s current L.M.S.W. license or temporary L.M.S.W. license must accompany the L.A.P.S.W. application. The L.M.S.W. license must be maintained in active status throughout the application process and until the L.A.P.S.W. license is issued; At least three thousand (3000) hours of nonclinical advanced practice experience, that may include administrative and direct client-social worker contact; and At least one hundred (100) hours of supervision in addition to the three thousand (3000) hours of experience. These hours must be spread throughout the three thousand (3000) advanced practice experience 7 June, 2022 (Revised)  GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS  CHAPTER 1365-01 (Rule 1365-01-.04, continued) (4) contact hours at a ratio of approximately one (1) hour of supervision to every thirty (30)  advanced practice experience contact hours.

Clinical Social Worker by examination.

(a) An applicant for a license as a clinical social worker shall submit the following to the Board office: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Completed application on a form prescribed by the Board, which shall include, but not be limited to disclosures of the following: (i) (ii) (iii) Criminal conviction(s), except for traffic violations; Denial, loss, restriction, or discipline of licensure privileges imposed by a state licensing board; and Civil suit judgment or adverse civil settlement involving the applicant. Payment of the application, license, and state regulatory fees; A passport-style photograph taken within twelve (12) months preceding the date the application is submitted to the Board office; Results of the applicant’s criminal background check to be sent from the vendor identified in the Board’s application materials directly to the Board office; An official transcript showing a master’s or doctorate degree in social work from the applicant’s educational institution to be submitted directly from the institution to the Board office. The institution must be accredited by the Council on Social Work Education at the time the degree was granted; Proof the applicant has successfully passed the Association of Social Work Board’s clinical licensing examination; and Proof the applicant has practiced for not less than two (2) years after the date of application as a licensed master’s social worker or temporarily licensed master’s social worker under the supervision of a licensed clinical social worker who has met the qualifications set forth in rule 1365-01-.08.  In the event that the applicant is from another state, then the applicant must have worked under the supervision of a person who possesses or exceeds the educational and experience requirements necessary to obtain licensure as a clinical social worker in Tennessee.  Within a period of no less than two (2) years nor greater than eight (8) years from the date the application is received, the applicant shall demonstrate proof of having obtained the following: (i) (ii) Licensure as a temporarily licensed master’s social worker or as a licensed master’s social worker obtained prior to filing an application for licensure and/or beginning a supervised clinical experience for the purpose of licensure.  A photocopy of the applicant’s current L.M.S.W. license or temporary L.M.S.W. license must accompany the L.C.S.W. application. The L.M.S.W. license must be maintained in active status throughout the application process and until the L.C.S.W. license is issued; At least three thousand (3000) hours of clinical experience; and 8 June, 2022 (Revised)  GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS  CHAPTER 1365-01 (Rule 1365-01-.04, continued) (iii) (5) At least one hundred (100) hours of supervision in addition to the three thousand (3000) hours of experience. These hours must be spread throughout the three thousand (3000) clinical experience contact hours at a ratio of approximately one (1) hour of supervision to every thirty (30) clinical experience contact hours.

Please review Tennessee’s Department of Health website for additional details about obtaining licensure.

Tennessee Board of Social Workers
615-741-5735 local or 1-800-778-4123 nationwide
Unit1HRB.Health@tn.gov
665 Mainstream Drive, 2nd Floor
Nashville, TN 37243

BSW: Western New Mexico University’s Bachelor of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of Texas and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

MSW: Western New Mexico University’s Master’s of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of Texas and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Texas Requirements

Sec. 505.353. ELIGIBILITY.

To be eligible for a license under this chapter, an applicant must:

• be at least 18 years of age;
• be worthy of the public trust and confidence;
• satisfy the education and experience requirements under this section; and
• pass the licensing examination conducted by the board under Section 505.354 and the jurisprudence examination conducted by the board under Section 3545.
• An applicant may take the licensing examination conducted by the board under Section 505.354 for:
  • a master social worker license if the applicant possesses a doctoral or master’s degree in social work from a graduate program that is accredited by or is in candidacy for accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education;
  • a baccalaureate social worker license if the applicant possesses a baccalaureate degree in social work from an educational program that is accredited by or is in candidacy for accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education; or
  • a clinical social worker license if the applicant possesses a doctoral or master’s degree in social work from an accredited graduate program approved by the board and meets the qualifications for clinical social work practice as determined by the board under this chapter.
• The board may require an applicant to submit documentary evidence of the quality, scope, and nature of the applicant’s experience and competence to:
• determine the credibility and acceptability of the applicant’s professional or technical experience or competence; and ensure the public safety, health, and welfare.

Please review Texas’ State Board of Social Work Examiners website for additional details about obtaining licensure.

Texas State Board of Social Examiners
Texas Department of State Health Services
P.O. Box 149347
Austin, Texas 78714-9347
Phone: (512) 719-3521
Contact: lsw@hhsc.state.tx.us

BSW: Western New Mexico University’s Bachelor of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of Utah and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

MSW: Western New Mexico University’s Master’s of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of Utah and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Utah Requirements

Social Service Worker:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work
  – OR –
• Master’s degree in Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy or Mental Counseling
  – OR –
• Bachelor’s degree in another field AND
  • Completed three semester hours (or the equivalent) each in the area of Social Welfare Policy, Human Growth and Development (across the lifespan, and Social Work Practice Methods.
  • Completed 2,000 hours of qualifying experience.
  • Supervisor completed experience form

– OR –

• Completed first academic year of a CSWE approved Master’s of Social Work curriculum and practicum

Exam:

• Taken and passed the ASWB Bachelors Exam

Certified Social Worker

Education:

• Master’s or Doctorate degree in Social Work

Exam:

• Taken and passed the ASWB Masters or Clinical Exam

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Requirements:

• Passed the ASWB Clinical Exam (May have been done to receive your UT CSW license)
• Completed 3,000 hours of experience while licensed as a Utah CSW. (Hours obtained as a UT CSW Intern do NOT count)
• Supervisor(s) completed the Verification of Experience form. (If you have had more than one supervisor EACH supervisor must complete a form)

Please review Utah’s Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing website for additional details about obtaining licensure.

Utah Department of Commerce
Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
Social Work
160 East 300 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Phone: (801) 530-6628
Contact: b8@utah.gov

BSW: Currently, Vermont does not offer licensure at the Bachelor degree level. Western New Mexico University’s Bachelor of Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

MSW: Western New Mexico University’s Master’s of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of Vermont and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Vermont Requirements

Licensed master’s social worker eligibility

To be eligible for licensing as a licensed master’s social worker, an applicant must have:

(1) received a master’s degree or doctoral degree from an accredited social work education program; and

(2) within five years prior to applying for licensure, passed the examinations

Licensed independent clinical social worker eligibility

(a) To be eligible for licensure as a licensed independent clinical social worker, an applicant must have:

(1) received a master’s degree or doctoral degree from an accredited social work education program;

(2) passed the examinations designated by the Director within five years prior to applying for licensure; and

(3) completed 3,000 hours of supervised practice of independent clinical social work as defined by rule under the supervision of a:

(A) licensed independent clinical social worker;

(B) licensed clinical mental health counselor;

(C) licensed psychologist;

(D) licensed physician or a licensed osteopathic physician who has completed a residency in psychiatry; or

(E) person licensed or certified in another state or Canada in one of these professions or their substantial equivalent.

(b) A person not licensed as a master’s social worker who engages in post-master’s supervised practice in Vermont toward licensure as a licensed independent clinical social worker shall be entered on the roster of nonlicensed, noncertified psychotherapists.

(c) A licensed master’s social worker who engages in post-master’s supervised practice in Vermont to become a licensed independent clinical social worker must first register with the Office as set forth by rule. (Added 2015, No. 38, § 31, eff. July 1, 2017.)

Please review Vermont’s Professional Regulation website for information about obtaining licensure.

Vermont Secretary of State
Professional Regulation
Social Work
89 Main Street, 3rd Floor
Montpelier, VT 05620-3402
Phone: 802-828-1505

BSW: Western New Mexico University’s Bachelor of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of Virginia and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

MSW: Western New Mexico University’s Master’s of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of Virginia and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. *Students who plan to seek clinical licensure should review the clinical coursework requirements for Virginia, which include a clinical field placement.

Virginia requirements

Requirements for licensure by examination as an LBSW or LMSW.

1. In order to be approved to sit for the board-approved examination as an LBSW or an LMSW, an applicant shall:
2. Meet the education requirements prescribed in 18VAC140-20-60.
3. Submit a completed application to the board office to include: a. The application fee prescribed in 18VAC140-20-30; and b. Official transcripts submitted from the appropriate institutions of higher education. B. In order to be licensed by examination as an LBSW or an LMSW, an applicant shall: 9 1. Meet the requirements prescribed in 18VAC140-20-60; and 2. Submit, in addition to the application requirements of subsection A of this section, the following: a. Verification of a passing score on the board-approved national examination; b. Documentation of any other health or mental health licensure or certification, if applicable; and c. A current report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB). 18VAC140-20-60. Education requirements for an LBSW or LMSW. The applicant for licensure as an LBSW shall hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school of social work. The applicant for licensure as an LMSW shall hold a master’s degree from an accredited school of social work. Graduates of foreign institutions must establish the equivalency of their education to this requirement through the Foreign Equivalency Determination Service of the Council on Social Work Education.

Requirements for licensure by examination as a clinical social worker. 

Every applicant for examination for licensure as a licensed clinical social worker shall: 1. Meet the education requirements prescribed in 18VAC140-20-49 and experience requirements prescribed in 18VAC140-20-50. 2. Submit a completed application to the board office within two years of completion of supervised experience to include: 5 a. Documentation, on the appropriate forms, of the successful completion of the supervised experience requirements of 18VAC140-20-50 along with documentation of the supervisor’s out-of-state license where applicable. Applicants whose former supervisor is deceased, or whose whereabouts is unknown, shall submit to the board a notarized affidavit from the present chief executive officer of the agency, corporation or partnership in which the applicant was supervised. The affidavit shall specify dates of employment, job responsibilities, supervisor’s name and last known address, and the total number of hours spent by the applicant with the supervisor in face-to-face supervision;  b. The application fee prescribed in 18VAC140-20-30;  c. Official transcript or documentation submitted from the appropriate institutions of higher education that verifies successful completion of educational requirements set forth in 18VAC140-20-49;  d. Documentation of any other health or mental health licensure or certification, if applicable; and e. A current report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB). 3. Provide evidence of passage of the examination prescribed in 18VAC140-20-70.

Educational requirements for a licensed clinical social worker.

50. The applicant for licensure as a clinical social worker shall document successful completion of one of the following: (i) a master’s degree in social work with a clinical course of study from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, (ii) a master’s degree in social work with a nonclinical concentration from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education together with successful completion of the educational requirements for a clinical course of study through a graduate program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, or (iii) a program of education and training in social work at an educational institution outside the United States recognized by the Council on Social Work Education. B. The requirement for a clinical practicum in a clinical course of study shall be a minimum of 600 hours, which shall be integrated with clinical course of study coursework and supervised by a person who is a licensed clinical social worker or who holds a master’s or doctor’s degree in social work and has a minimum of three years of experience in clinical social work services after earning the graduate degree. An applicant who has otherwise met the requirements for a clinical course of study but who did not have a minimum of 600 hours in a supervised field placement/practicum in clinical social work services may meet the requirement by obtaining an equivalent number of hours of supervised practice in clinical social work services in addition to the experience required in 18VAC140-20-50.

Please review Virginia’s Board of Social Work website for additional details about obtaining licensure.

Virginia Board of Social Work
Email: socialwork@dhp.virginia.gov
Jaime Hoyle, Executive Director
Teresa Reynolds, MSW, LCSW, Chairperson

BSW: Currently, Washington does not offer licensure at the Bachelor degree level. Western New Mexico University’s Bachelor of Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

MSW: Western New Mexico University’s Master’s of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of Washington and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Washington Requirements

Associate-Advanced and Clinical Licensure requirements:

Graduation from a master’s or doctorate social work educational program accredited by the council on social work education. To verify your official education you’ll need to provide an official transcript with degree and date posted, received directly from applicant’s program. Transcripts not in English must have an official translation.

Licensed Advanced Social Worker requirements:

Applicants must have a master’s level social work degree from an educational program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education or a social work doctorate program at a university accredited by a recognized accrediting organization. Applicants must provide an official transcript with degree and date posted to verify their official education. The transcripts must be received directly from applicant’s program. Transcripts not in English must have an official translation.

Applicants must have a minimum of 3,000 hours of postgraduate, supervised experience. Eight hundred hours must be in direct client contact. Ninety hours must be supervision by a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) or licensed advanced social worker (LASW) who has been licensed for at least two years. Of the 90 hours:

• Forty hours may be with an equally qualified licensed mental health practitioner; the 40 hours must be in one-on-one supervision.

The verification form must be completed by supervisors. Supervisors must also make a statement about their qualifications.

Licensed Clinical Independent Social Worker requirements:

Applicants must have a master’s level social work degree from an educational program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education or a social work doctorate program at a university accredited by a recognized accrediting organization. Applicants must provide an official transcript with degree and date posted to verify their official education. The transcripts must be received directly from applicant’s program. Transcripts not in English must have an official translation.

Applicants must have a minimum of 3,000 hours of postgraduate, supervised experience over a minimum two-year period. One thousand hours must be in direct client contact supervised by a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW). One hundred hours must be direct supervision by a LICSW or equally licensed mental health practitioner.

Of the 100 hours:

• Seventy hours must be with a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW).
• The remaining hours may be with an equally qualified licensed practitioner.
• Sixty hours of the 100 hours of direct supervision must be in one-to-one supervision. The remaining hours may be one-to-one or group supervision.

Supervisors must complete the verification form. Supervisors must also make a statement about their qualifications. If you have been licensed in good standing and without a disqualifying criminal history in another state for over 5 years the department does not require you to obtain proof of supervision hours. If you have been licensed for less than 5 years or if you have disciplinary or criminal history then you would be required to have your previous supervisor(s) sign our forms to verify your supervised experience. If you are an Independent Clinical Social Worker Associate you must submit your supervised hours to obtain full licensure.

Please review Washington’s State Department of Health website for information about obtaining licensure.

Washington State Department of Health

• Health Systems Quality Assurance customer service
• Call 360-236-4700

Email HSQA.CSC@doh.wa.gov

BSW: Western New Mexico University’s Bachelor of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of West Virginia and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

MSW: Western New Mexico University’s Master’s of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of West Virginia and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

West Virginia Requirements

Level A – LSW (Licensed Social Worker) License

This entry-level license requires a BSW (Bachelor’s degree in Social Work) from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited social work program, passage of the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Basic level state social work examination, completed application, and appropriate fee. If the applicant is or has ever been licensed in another state as a social worker, verification of licensure in good standing is required from the applicable State Social Work Board(s).

Temporary licensees may apply for the Level A Regular License by successfully completing mandatory four-years of provisions as set forth in the Legislative Rule §25-CSR-1; these provisions are also included in the Professional Manual for Licensed Social Workers Temporary section.

Level B – LGSW (Licensed Graduate Social Worker) License

The graduate level license is issued to an applicant who holds a master’s degree in social work (MSW) from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited social work program, has passed the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Intermediate level state social work exam, and has submitted the appropriate application and fee. If the applicant is, or has ever been licensed in another state as a social worker, verification of licensure in good standing is required from the applicable State Social Work Board(s). There are no experience or supervision requirements for this level of license.

Level C – LCSW (Licensed Certified Social Worker) License

The Certified Social Work License is issued to an applicant with a master’s degree in social work (MSW) from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited social work program, has completed two years post-masters social work practice experience, and passed the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Advanced Generalist level state social work exam. An application and appropriate fee are required as well as verification of licensure in good standing from the applicable State Social Work Board(s) where the applicant is or has ever been licensed as a social worker.

Level D – LICSW (Licensed Independent Clinical Social Work) License

Overview:

An eligible applicant must hold a master’s degree in social work from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited social work program, and/or a Ph.D. or DSW degree in social work from a university that is accredited by the CSWE. The applicant must have completed a supervised clinical field placement at the graduate level, or post-master’s clinical training that is found by the board to be equivalent. The applicant must have completed a graduate course in either psychopathology or abnormal psychology or other course found equivalent by the Board. This course requirement may be a part of or in addition to courses completed in the MSW program.

Clinical Supervision/Experience:

The applicant must verify a minimum of two years of full-time employment and/or 3,000 hours of practice in full or part time employment. An applicant should have at least 100 hours of face to face supervision; minimally one should receive one hour of supervision for each thirty (30) hours of supervised practice. At least 50% of supervision must be an individual setting and not in a group format. Face to face supervision via HIPPA compliant electronic media is acceptable.with the clinical supervisor.

Examination Requirement:

The applicant must have taken and passed the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Clinical level examination. A completed LICSW application and appropriate fee must be submitted for review. If the applicant is or has ever been licensed in another state, verification of license standing is required from the applicable state Social Work Board(s).

Please review West Virginia’s Board of Social Work website for additional details about obtaining licensure.

WV Board of Social Work
1124 Smith St., Suite B 200
Charleston WV 25301

(304) 400-4980

Admin@wvsocialworkboard.org

BSW: Western New Mexico University’s Bachelor of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of Wisconsin and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

MSW: Western New Mexico University’s Master’s of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of Wisconsin and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Wisconsin Requirements

THERE ARE THREE (3) TYPES OF SOCIAL WORK CERTIFICATES. THEY INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

Social Worker: Certification as a Social Worker (“CSW” or “Basic-Level Social Worker”) requires a Bachelor’s or higher degree in social work and passage of the basic level national exam (ASWB Bachelor’s Examination).

Advanced Practice Social Worker: Licensure as an Advanced Practice Social Worker (“APSW”) requires a Master’s or higher degree in social work and passage of the intermediate (ASWB Master’s Examination) level national exam.

Independent Social Worker: Licensure as an Independent Social Worker (“ISW”) requires a Master’s or higher degree in social work, passage of the advanced (ASWB Advanced Generalist Examination) level national exam or verification of certification from ACSW of NASW, and verification of at least 3,000 hours of supervised social work practice.

Contact

Social Worker Section
DSPS
PO Box 8366
Madison, WI 53708-8366

(608) 266-2112

Email for questions:
dsps@wi.gov

BSW: Western New Mexico University’s Bachelor of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of Wyoming and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

MSW: Western New Mexico University’s Master’s of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the state of Wyoming and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Wyoming Requirements

Certified Social Worker

Section2. General Requirements for Certification

• Are of majority age
• Have no felony convictions, and no misdemeanor convictions that relate adversely to the practice of clinical social work or to the ability to practice clinical social work
• Are legal inhabitants of the S.
• Satisfy the requirements established in these rules

Section3. Education Requirement for Certification

• All requirements shall be met through the completion of a Council on Social Work Education accredited baccalaureate degree program in social work

Section 4. Examination Requirement for Certification

• The board shall accept passing score as established by the examination provider on ONE of the following examinations:
  • The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) examination at the bachelor’s level
  • Other examination as may be approved by the board

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Section 2. General Requirements for Certification

• Are of majority age
• Have no felony convictions, and no misdemeanor convictions that relate adversely to the practice of clinical social work or to the ability to practice clinical social work
• Are legal inhabitants of the S.
• Satisfy the requirements established in these rules

Section 3. Education Requirement for Licensure

• All educational requirements for licensure shall be met through the completion of a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited master’s degree program in social work

Section 4. Supervised Training/Work Experience Requirement for Licensure

• A minimum of 3,000 hours of supervised clinical training/work experience in clinical social work under the direct supervision of a designated qualified clinical supervisor is required for all applicants
• All 3,000 hours of supervised clinical training/work experience required shall be completed after the award of the graduate degree
• Of the 3,000 hours, at least 1,200 hours shall be direct client contact hours
• The balance of the remaining indirect hours shall consist of work experience that supports the direct client contact hours
• An applicant shall have a minimum of 100 post graduate hours of clinical supervision with a DQCS

Section 5. Examination Requirement for Licensure

• The Board shall accept a passing score as established by the examination provider of the following examination:
  • The association of Social Work Board (ASWB) examination at the Clinical Level
  • Other examinations as may be approved by the Board

Please review Wyoming’s Mental Health Professionals Licensing Board website for additional details about obtaining licensure.

Wyoming State Mental health Professions Licensing Board
2001 Capitol Avenue, RM 105
Cheyenne, WY 82002
Phone: (307) 777-3508
Contact: greg.searls@wyo.gov

BSW: Western New Mexico University’s Bachelor of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the territory of Puerto Rico and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

MSW: Western New Mexico University’s Master’s of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the territory of Puerto Rico and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

PROVISIONAL LICENSE OF THE SOCIAL WORK PROFESIONAL

• Be a resident of Puerto Rico. IF YOU ARE NOT A LEGAL RESIDENT OF PUERTO RICO, YOU ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR A SOCIAL WORK PROFESSIONAL LICENSE OF PUERTO RICO.

• Submit the official license application online, answering all questions and providing all the required documentation in PDF format.

• Have completed a Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in Social Work from a University recognized by the Office of Registration and Licensing of Educational Institutions or have e baccalaureate degree from a recognized University and have eighteen (18) or more credits of post-graduate studies in Social Work form a recognized University.

• Official academic transcript from the university with the conferred degree, sent directly via mail or email from the institution to the Professional Credential Services (PCS) headquarter.
• Those who apply for postgraduate studies credits must submit, in addition. Official transcript evidencing at least 18 credits of post-graduate studies from a recognized university.

PERMANENT PROFESSIONAL LICENSE AS A SOCIAL WORKER BASED ON POST-GRADUATE STUDIES 

• Be resident of Puerto Rico. IF YOU ARE NOT A LEGAL RESIDENT OF PUERTO RICO, YOU ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR A SOCIAL WORK PROFESSIONAL LICENSE OF PUERTO RICO.

• Have completed a master’s or doctorate degree in Social Work from a University recognized by the Office of Registration and Licensing of Educational Institutions.

• Complete the official application online, answering all the questions. In addition, you must submit all required documents in PDF format.

• Upload to the portal in PDF format Diploma or an Official Transcript of the Baccalaureate that is from a recognized university.
• Diploma or an Official Transcript of the Baccalaureate and an Official transcript of postgraduate studies from a recognized university, sent directly or by email from the University to the office of Professional Credential Services (PCS).

Please review Puerto Rico’s Department of State website for additional details about obtaining licensure. Note, to obtain licensure in Puerto Rico an applicant must be a legal resident of Puerto Rico.

Department of State
Calle San José esq. San Francisco
Old San Juan, PR 00902

Department of State
Assistant Secretary of Examining Boards
Social Work Professionals Examining Board
P.O. Box 9023271, San Juan, PR 00902-3271

Mrs. Julia Tatiana Marrero
Phone: 787-722-2122, ext. #4312
Email: jtmarrero@estado.pr.gov

BSW: Western New Mexico University’s Bachelor of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the territory of the U.S. Virgin Islands and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

MSW: Western New Mexico University’s Master’s of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the territory of the U.S. Virgin Islands and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

U.S. Virgin Islands Requirements

Levels of Licensure:
Social Worker Associate: Applicant may have a baccalaureate degree in a non-Social Work field or an associate of arts degree in the Human Services from a junior college, college or university approved by the Board.

Social Worker: Applicant must have a baccalaureate degree in Social Work or Social Welfare Program from a college or university approved by the Board or a baccalaureate degree in another field with two years of experience in a social work capacity.

Certified Social Worker: Applicant must have a doctorate or master’s degree from a school of social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and approved by the Board.

Certified Independent Social Worker: Applicant must have a doctorate or master’s degree from a school of social work accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE) and approved by the board. Additionally, applicant must have practiced for two years under appropriate supervision in the field of specialization in which the applicant will practice.

ALL APPLICANTS FOR ALL LEVELS OF LICENSURE MUST SATISFACTORILY PROVE TO THE BOARD THAT HE/SHE IS A PERSON WHO MERITS THE PUBLIC TRUST.

Examination:
Any person, holding a Social Worker’s degree applying to become a Social Worker is required to take an examination at three levels: Bachelors, Masters, or Clinical. All levels of examinations must be approved by the Board. The Intermediate, Clinical, and Advance Examinations are only administered to persons holding a Master’s of Social Work Degree or higher from an accredited, board-approved college or university. The examination is available via computer year-round at the Pearson Vue Testing Center.

Please review Virgin Island’s Department of Licensure and Consumer Affairs website for additional details about obtaining licensure.

Contact Information:

Attention:         H. Nathalie Hodge
Assistant Commissioner, Office of Boards and Commissions
V.I. Board of Social Workers’ Licensure
Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs
Golden Rock Shopping Center, Suite #9
Christiansted, VI 00820-4311

Please review Virgin Island’s Department of Licensure and Consumer Affairs website for additional details about obtaining licensure.

(340) 713-DLCA (3522)

BSW: It is currently undetermined whether Western New Mexico University’s Bachelor of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the territory of American Samoa. Western New Mexico University’s BSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

MSW: It is currently undetermined whether Western New Mexico University’s Master’s of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the territory of American Samoa. Western New Mexico University’s MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Please review American Samoa’s Department of Human and Social Services website for details about clinical and social services in the territory.

Republic of Marshall Islands

BSW: It is currently undetermined whether Western New Mexico University’s Bachelor of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the territory of the Republic of Marshall Islands. Western New Mexico University’s BSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

MSW: It is currently undetermined whether Western New Mexico University’s Master’s of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the territory of the Republic of Marshall Islands. Western New Mexico University’s MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Marshall Islands Requirements

All health professionals in the Marshall Islands must be licensed through the Board of Health Professions. A social worker in the Marshall Islands is a mental health professional and includes BSW, BS, BS, MSW, MS, PhD, and LCSW. We were unable to locate contact information or professional credentialing information for this territory using an internet search.

For more information about the licensing law in the Republic of Marshall Islands, please download a copy of the Marshall Islands Health Professional Licensing Act of 2009.

BSW: It is currently undetermined whether Western New Mexico University’s Bachelor of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the territory of the Federated States of Micronesia. Western New Mexico University’s BSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

MSW: It is currently undetermined whether Western New Mexico University’s Master’s of Social Work meets professional licensure standards for the territory of the Federated States of Micronesia. Western New Mexico University’s MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

For more information about the licensing law in the Republic of Marshall Islands, please download a copy of the FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs website.

• 185-10-2315  (a) Requirements for Licensure

An applicant to practice as a social worker must be at least twenty-one years of age, be a U.S. citizen or a foreign national lawfully entitled to remain and work in the Commonwealth, and meets the following requirements: (1) (2) (3)

Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (L.B.S.W.): 

(i) (ii) Holds a Bachelor’s degree in social work from a college or university accredited by or deemed to be equivalent to an accredited program by the Council on Social Work Education, or the Canadian Association of Schools of Social Work or from a college or university accredited by an accrediting organization recognized by the Board, or a social work education program approved by the Board; and Has passed the Bachelors examination administered by the Association of Social Work Boards, or an examination in social work approved by the Board.

Licensed Master’s Social Worker (L.M.S.W.): 

(i) (ii) Holds a Master’s degree in social work from a college or university accredited by or deemed to be equivalent to an accredited program by the Council on Social Work Education, or the Canadian Association of Schools of Social Work or from a college or university accredited by an accrediting organization recognized by the Board, or a social work education program approved by the Board; and Has passed the Masters examination administered by the Association of Social Work Boards, or an examination in social work approved by the Board.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (L.C.S.W.): (i) (ii) (iii) 

Holds a master’s or doctoral degree in social work from a college or university accredited by or deemed to be equivalent to an accredited program by the Council on Social Work Education, or the Canadian Association of Schools of Social Work or from a college or university accredited by an accrediting organization recognized by the Board, or a social work education program approved by the Board; Has passed the clinical examination administered by the Association of Social Work Boards, or an examination in social work approved by the Board; and Has provided evidence of successful completion of at least two years of continuous full- time employment in postgraduate clinical social work under the supervision of a licensed clinical social worker, a licensed physician or a licensed osteopathic physician who has completed a residency in psychiatry, a licensed clinical mental health counselor, a diplomate in clinical social work, a designated member of the ACSW, a licensed psychiatrist, or a licensed psychologist.

Please review the Northern Mariana Island’s Board of Professional Licensing website for additional details about obtaining licensure.

Physical Address
Board of Professional Licensing
Health Care Professions Licensing Board
Building #1242, Pohnpei Court
Capitol Hill, Saipan, MP 96950

Tel.: (670) 664-4808/4809
Fax.: (670) 664-4814

Mailing Address
Board of Professional Licensing/
Health Care Professions Licensing Board
P.O. Box 502078
Saipan, MP 96950